- #1
brikayyy
- 15
- 0
Homework Statement
Using the equation for the final velocity of an inelastic collision, show that mechanical energy is not conserved in the collision. (Do this only with variables.)
Homework Equations
Vf = (m1v1i + m2v2i)/(m1 + m2)
KE = (1/2)mv2
TME = KE + PE
The Attempt at a Solution
I honestly have no idea where to begin. I thought that maybe I could somehow use the equation of an elastic collision, but the problem says to use the one for inelastic collision.
Should I begin by rewriting the equation to look something like this?
Vf = Kf/Ki = [(1/2)m1v1i + (1/2)m2v2i]/[(1/2)(m1 + m2)]
TME has to equal zero if it's not conserved, right?
--
Thanks for any help provided!