In: Physics
(A): Consider a head-on, elastic collision between two bodies whose masses are m and M, with m<<M. It is well known that if m has speed v0 and M is initially at rest, m will bounce straight back with its speed unchanged, while M will remain at rest (to an excellent approximation). Use this fact to predict the final velocities if M approaches with speed v0 and m is initially at rest. (use Galilean transformation)
(B): Use the method of problem (A) to predict the final velocities if the two masses m and M, with m<<M, approach one another both traveling at speed v0 (relative to lab) and undergo a head-on elastic collision.