Question

particle 1 of mass m1 = 0.29 kg slides rightward along an x axis on a frictionless floor with a speed of 1.8 m/s. When it reaches x = 0, it undergoes a one-dimensional elastic collision with stationary particle 2 of mass m2 = 0.40 kg. When particle 2 then reaches a wall at xw = 70 cm, it bounces from it with no loss of speed. At what position on the x axis does particle 2 then collide with particle 1?

The first collision (conservation of energy, momentum) gives you the speeds of M1 and m2 after the collision. Then, the distance m2 travels is 70 cm + (70-x) cm. But it does it in the same time as m1 travel x cm. You have the distances, velocitys, and times, solve for x.


ok so velocity of m1 = 150 m/s and m2 = -29 m/s.....where do i go from there?

Answer 1

Okay, dude your velocities are ridiculous, does 150 m/s even make ANY sense to you?