Whoever created this problem does not understand inelastic collisions. There are an infinite number of possibilities to (2) if the two masses do not stick together. The sticking-together case is probably what they meant.
There are also many possibilities for an elastic collision (1), unless both masses continue along the same direction. Depending upon where one billiard ball hits another, they can go in many directions, but all are elastic collisions.
I am not surprised you are confused by this question. You deserve a better teacher.
For the inelastic "stick-together" case, both masses leave with the same velocity, V2.
50 kg*10 m/s = 150 kg*V2
Solve for V2
V2 = 3.33 m/s, along the same direction as the initial velocity.
The elastic case is harder. You have to solve simultaneous equations of momentum and kinetic energy conservation, with two unknowns. I'll leave that one up to you.
Okay we have this problem: 50 kg mass traveling at 10 m/s strikes a 100kg mass at rest find the final velocity each....if...
1. it is elastic
2. if it isnt elastic
i know for an elastic something has to be 100% like 100% of momentum is conserved. I don't know how to set up equations for this logically i know 1/2mv^2 is Ke and mv=p
1 answer