According to the principle of conservation of momentum, the total momentum before and after the collision must be the same. Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity, so in this scenario, the momentum of the large metal ball is initially high due to its large mass and high speed.
On the other hand, the momentum of the small lead ball is initially low because it has a small mass and is moving at a slow velocity. However, when the two balls collide, their momenta must be redistributed.
Since the large metal ball begins to roll slowly after the collision, it means that its velocity decreases significantly. This decrease in velocity indicates a reduction in momentum for the large metal ball.
To conserve momentum, the small lead ball must have gained momentum in order for the total momentum to remain the same. As a result, the momentum of the small lead ball increased during the collision. This increase in momentum allowed for the redistribution of momentum in such a way that the large metal ball rolled slowly while the small lead ball experienced a change in velocity.
Utilizing the principles learned in your portfolio assignment, explain the changes in momentum that would be experienced in the following scenarios: A large metal ball is at moving at high speeds, and a small lead ball is moving at slow velocity. When they collide, the large metal ball begins to roll slowly. What must have happened to the momentum of small lead ball?
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