Consider a collision between two objects of different masses M,m moving in one dimension with initial speeds

Question:

Consider a collision between two objects of different masses M,m moving in one dimension with initial speeds V, −v. In the center-of-mass frame, the total momentum is zero before and after the collision. In an elastic collision both energy and momentum are conserved. Compute the velocities of the two objects after an elastic collision in the center-of-mass frame. Show that in the limit where m/M → 0, the more massive object remains at rest in the center-of mass frame (V = 0 before and after the collision), and the less massive object simply bounces off the more massive object (like a tennis ball off a concrete wall).

Fantastic news! We've Found the answer you've been seeking!

Step by Step Answer:

Related Book For  book-img-for-question

The Physics of Energy

ISBN: 978-1107016651

1st edition

Authors: Robert L. Jaffe, Washington Taylor

Question Posted: