- #1
I_Try_Math
- 91
- 19
- Homework Statement
- Derive the equations giving the final speeds for two objects that collide elastically, with the mass of the objects being ##m_1## and ##m_2## and the initial speeds being ##v_{1,i}## and ##v_{2,i}=0## (i.e., second object is initially stationary).
- Relevant Equations
- ##p_i = p_f##
So far I've got:
##p_{1,i} + p_{2,i} = p_{1,f} + p_{2,f}##
##p_{1,i} + 0 = p_{1,f} + p_{2,f}##
##m_1v_{1,i} = m_1v_{1,f} + m_2v_{2,f}##
According to the textbook, the final speeds should be written in terms of ##v_{1,i}, m_1, and m_2##. It looks like I need another way to relate everything with an equation to solve for the final speeds but I'm drawing a blank. It doesn't seem like I can use energy considerations? Any hints are appreciated.
##p_{1,i} + p_{2,i} = p_{1,f} + p_{2,f}##
##p_{1,i} + 0 = p_{1,f} + p_{2,f}##
##m_1v_{1,i} = m_1v_{1,f} + m_2v_{2,f}##
According to the textbook, the final speeds should be written in terms of ##v_{1,i}, m_1, and m_2##. It looks like I need another way to relate everything with an equation to solve for the final speeds but I'm drawing a blank. It doesn't seem like I can use energy considerations? Any hints are appreciated.