How Do Speeds Change After an Elastic Collision?

In summary, an elastic collision is a type of collision where both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. This is different from an inelastic collision, where only momentum is conserved and some energy is converted into other forms. The speed of the objects involved can affect the amount of kinetic energy transferred in an elastic collision, and the formula for calculating speed in an elastic collision is v = (m1u1 + m2u2)/(m1 + m2). It is not possible for the speed of an object to be greater after an elastic collision, as kinetic energy is conserved.
  • #1
syavian1019
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Ball A, a 0.055 kg ball, moving with a speed of 2.50 m/s collides head-on with ball B, a 0.095 kg ball initially moving away from it at a speed of 1.15 m/s. Assume a perfectly elastic collision. Take the initial velocity of ball A to be in the positive x direction.

(A) What is the speed of ball A after the collision?

(B) What is the speed of ball B after the collision

Can anyone walk me through this? I'm not sure where to start...
 
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No effort, no help. Give us some of your thoughts on the problem at least.
 
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Related to How Do Speeds Change After an Elastic Collision?

What is an elastic collision?

An elastic collision is a type of collision between two objects in which both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. This means that the total kinetic energy and total momentum of the system before and after the collision are equal.

What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

The main difference between elastic and inelastic collisions is that in an elastic collision, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved, while in an inelastic collision, only momentum is conserved. In an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound.

How does speed affect an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, the speed of the objects involved can affect the amount of kinetic energy that is transferred between them. If the objects have different speeds, the faster object will transfer some of its kinetic energy to the slower object, resulting in a change in their speeds after the collision.

What is the formula for calculating speed in an elastic collision?

The formula for calculating speed in an elastic collision is v = (m1u1 + m2u2)/(m1 + m2), where v is the final speed of the objects, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and u1 and u2 are their initial speeds.

Can the speed of an object ever be greater after an elastic collision?

No, the speed of an object cannot be greater after an elastic collision. This is because in an elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved, and any increase in speed would require an increase in kinetic energy, which is not possible without an external force or energy input.

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