Question

A 0.300 kg air-track glider moving at 2.20 m/s bumps into a 0.800 kg glider at rest.
a.) Find the total kinetic energy after collision if the collision is elastic.
b.) Find the total kinetic energy after collision if the collision is completely inelastic.

Answer 1

.3 * 2.2 = .3 u + .8 v
and if elastic
1/2(.3) (2.2)^2=1/2(.3)u^2+1/2(.8)v^2
and if inelastic (glued together)
u = v
.3*2.2 = 1.1 u
Ke = (1/2)(1.1)u^2