In an elastic collision involving two pucks of equal mass, where one puck (puck A) is initially stationary and the other (puck B) is moving, conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy must both be considered.
Since puck A starts stationary and moves in the same direction as puck B after the collision, it indicates that puck B transfers some of its momentum and kinetic energy to puck A during the collision.
To analyze the possible outcomes:
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The puck B remains at the point of collision. - This is incorrect. If puck B were to remain at the point of collision, it would mean it did not transfer any kinetic energy or momentum, which contradicts the conservation principles in elastic collisions.
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The puck B rebounds. - This is also unlikely in the scenario where one puck is initially stationary and the other is moving in a straight line, while after the collision the stationary puck moves in the same direction as the original puck. If puck A is moving forward after the collision, it suggests that puck B is moving forward, possibly slowing down rather than rebounding.
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There isn’t enough information to answer the question. - This option isn't valid here, as we can make conclusions based on the principles of elastic collisions.
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Both pucks slide past the point of collision. - This is the correct statement. Puck A moves forward after the collision (having gained some momentum and kinetic energy), and puck B continues moving forward (though potentially at a reduced speed) after the collision.
Thus, the best answer is:
4. Both pucks slide past the point of collision.
1 answer