Which block falls off the table first? - Elastic collision

In summary, two blocks, one weighing 2kg and the other weighing 1kg, experience an elastic collision on a frictionless table. The larger block is initially at rest and is hit head on by the smaller block traveling at 4 m/s. The collision occurs when the smaller block is 2m from the edge of the 5m long table and the larger block is 3m from the edge. Using the equations p=mv and 1/2mv^2, the momentum before the collision can be found but the velocities cannot be solved for. The question remains, which block will fall off the table first?
  • #1
garretts16
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Homework Statement



A 2kg block is resting on a frictionless table. It is hit, head on, by a 1kg block heading at 4 m/s. The larger block is sitting 3m from the edge of a 5m long table. The collision happens with the smaller block's distance being 2m from the table and the larger blocks d = 3m from edge. Which block will fall off the table first? It's an elastic collision.

Homework Equations



I used p=mv and 1/2mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to fine the momentum before, but I can't solve for the velocities.
 
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  • #2
Show your work.
 

Related to Which block falls off the table first? - Elastic collision

1. What is an elastic collision?

An elastic collision is a type of collision in which both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. In other words, the total energy and total momentum of the system before and after the collision remain the same.

2. How is a block falling off a table an example of an elastic collision?

In the scenario of a block falling off a table, when the block hits the ground, it experiences an elastic collision with the ground. This means that the total kinetic energy and momentum of the block and the ground before and after the collision remain the same.

3. Which block falls off the table first in an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, both objects will experience the same acceleration due to gravity. Therefore, both blocks will fall off the table at the same time.

4. How does the mass of the blocks affect the elastic collision?

The mass of the blocks does not affect the elastic collision itself, but it does affect the amount of force each block experiences upon hitting the ground. A heavier block will experience a greater force and therefore may appear to fall off the table faster.

5. Are there any real-life examples of elastic collisions?

Yes, there are many real-life examples of elastic collisions, such as billiard balls colliding on a pool table, two cars colliding and bouncing off each other, or a baseball bouncing off a wall. In all of these scenarios, the total kinetic energy and momentum of the system remain constant.

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