In: Physics
Imagine cart 1 with initial velocity v1i collides with cart 2 with initial velocity v2i = 0, where they then move together as a single mass (attached by velcro). Sketch the expected center of mass position over time graph. Assume t = 0 corresponds to the moment immediately after the impulse to cart 1 is delivered and assume equal masses (m1 = m2). Ignoring the effects of friction, is the above collision elastic or inelastic? Why?