In this scenario, we can analyze the collision based on the principles of momentum. When the basketball rolls into the soccer ball, two primary outcomes can occur depending on the masses of the two balls and the nature of their collision (elastic or inelastic).
In most cases involving different sizes and masses, the following typically happens:
- If the basketball (which is less massive) collides with the soccer ball (which is more massive), the basketball could transfer some of its momentum to the soccer ball.
- The soccer ball will begin to move forward after the collision, gaining speed as it is set in motion by the impact with the basketball.
- The basketball may either stop, move backward, or continue moving forward with decreased speed, depending on the specifics of the collision but generally, it will move slower than before.
From the options provided, the most likely outcome based on these principles would be:
After the collision, the basketball stops. The soccer ball moves forward with greater speed.
This reflects the idea that the larger mass (the soccer ball) gains speed as it is set into motion by the impact, while the smaller mass (the basketball) could stop as it transfers most of its energy to the soccer ball.