Two metal balls with the same mass hang so that they are touching each other. The ball on the left is pulled to the side and released. What will happen when it swings back and hits the ball on the right?

Question

(1 point)
• Both balls will swing to the right.
The ball on the right will swing to the right.
The ball on the left will stop, and the ball on the right will remain still.
• Both balls will swing to the left.

Answer 1

When the ball on the left is pulled to the side and released, it will swing back toward the right due to gravity. When it collides with the stationary ball on the right, the following happens:

1. The ball on the left will transfer some of its kinetic energy to the ball on the right upon collision.
2. Because both balls have the same mass, the ball on the left will come to a stop after the collision, and the ball on the right will swing out to the right.

Thus, the correct outcome is:

The ball on the left will stop, and the ball on the right will swing to the right.