Perfectly Elastic Collision and final velocity of ball

In summary, two balls with masses of 3.5kg and 4.8kg collided in a perfectly elastic collision. The initial velocity of the first ball was 5.4m/s and the second ball was stationary. Using the principles of momentum conservation and conservation of kinetic energy, the final velocity of the second ball can be determined. It is recommended to postpone inserting numbers until all relationships have been checked.
  • #1
Balsam
226
8

Homework Statement


Two balls collide in a perfectly elastic collision. Ball 1 has a mass of 3.5kg and is initially traveling at a velocity of 5.4m/s
. It collides head-on with stationary ball 2 with mass 4.8kg. Determine the final velocity of ball 2.

Given: m1=3.5kg
vi1=5.4m/s


m2=4.8kg
vi2=0m/s

Homework Equations


See attached pictures

The Attempt at a Solution


See attached pictures
IMG_6159.jpg
IMG_6161.jpg
. I don't know how to solve the problem beyond what I've already done. I'm stuck.​
 
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  • #2
Can't read it. Momentum conservation and conservation of kinetic energy should be enough to work out this exercise. Postpone inserting numbers as long as reasonable, so you can check the relationships you get (dimension, limiting cases).
Type it out if you want more guidance (at least, from folks like me, and also from folks who don't even try to read photographed solution attempts at all).
 

Related to Perfectly Elastic Collision and final velocity of ball

1. How is a perfectly elastic collision defined?

A perfectly elastic collision is a type of collision in which the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved. This means that the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. In other words, the objects involved in the collision bounce off each other without any loss of energy.

2. What factors affect the final velocity of a ball in a perfectly elastic collision?

The final velocity of a ball in a perfectly elastic collision is affected by the mass and velocity of both objects involved in the collision. The final velocity of the ball will be higher if the mass of the other object is smaller and if it is moving towards the ball with a higher velocity.

3. Can the final velocity of a ball in a perfectly elastic collision be greater than the initial velocity?

Yes, the final velocity of a ball in a perfectly elastic collision can be greater than the initial velocity. This can happen if the other object involved in the collision has a higher mass and is moving towards the ball with a higher velocity. In this case, the ball will bounce off the object with a higher velocity than its initial velocity.

4. How does the coefficient of restitution affect the final velocity in a perfectly elastic collision?

The coefficient of restitution is a measure of the elasticity of a collision. It is defined as the ratio of the relative velocity of separation to the relative velocity of approach. In a perfectly elastic collision, the coefficient of restitution is equal to 1, which means that the final velocity of the ball will be equal to the initial velocity.

5. Can two objects with different masses have the same final velocity in a perfectly elastic collision?

Yes, it is possible for two objects with different masses to have the same final velocity in a perfectly elastic collision. This can happen if the initial velocities of the two objects are equal but in opposite directions. In this case, the final velocities will also be equal but in opposite directions, resulting in a perfectly elastic collision.

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