Question

Suppose a 10 kg ball makes a one dimensional collision with a 5 kg ball. Think about what could happen to the velocity of the 5 kg ball as a result of the collision. Could it remain unchanged? Could it increase? Could it decrease? Is it possible for both balls to end up traveling in the same direction after the collision? For each result you think could happen, please briefly explain why and offer an example of starting conditions that would cause that result. If you think a certain result couldn't happen, please also briefly explain why.

Answer 1

Here,

This is example of momentum conservation.Befor the collision and after the collision momentum should be remain unchanged.

here two ball are given one is 10kg and another is 5kg.let speed of 10kg 2m/s at +x direction an speed of 5kg is 5m/s at -x direction.then

befor and after collision momentum should be same.so

=>10*2-5*5 = (10+5)v

=>v=5/15m/s and direction of both balls is -x. so direction of 5kg ball is unchaged.because momentum of 5kg ball is greater than momentum of 10kg ball.

and if speed of 10kg 5m/s at +x direction an speed of 5kg is 5m/s at -x direction.so

=>10*5-5*5 = (10+5)v

=>v=25/15m/s and direction of both balls is +x.so direction of 5kg is changed.because momentum of 10kg ball is greater than momentum of 5kg ball

direction of 5kg ball after collision is depend on speed of both balls.and also it could be increase or decrease. it also depend on speed of both bolls.

And it is possible for both balls to end up traveling in the same direction after the collision.for above both cases direction of both bolls are same after collision.