Calculate the velocities of two objects following an elastic collision, given that

Strategy and Concept

First, visualize what the initial conditions mean—a small object strikes a larger object that is initially at rest. This situation is slightly simpler than the situation shown in Figure 8.6 where both objects are initially moving. We are asked to find two unknowns (the final velocities v'₁ and v'₂).To find two unknowns, we must use two independent equations. Because this collision is elastic, we can use the above two equations. Both can be simplified by the fact that object 2 is initially at rest, and thus v₂=0. Once we simplify these equations, we combine them algebraically to solve for the unknowns.

Data given in Figure 8.6

Transcribed Image Text:

m1 = 0.500 kg, m2 = 3.50 kg, U1 4.00 m/s, and v₂ = 0.