What Is the Final Velocity of the Larger Ball After Collision?

  • Thread starter felipenavarro
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In summary, when a small ball with mass m collides with a larger ball with mass M that is initially at rest, the smaller ball will come to a stop and the larger ball will have a final velocity given by V=(m/M)v, where v is the initial velocity of the smaller ball. This is due to the conservation of momentum in an inelastic collision. However, if the collision is elastic and both balls have equal mass, the larger ball will continue with the initial velocity of the smaller ball.
  • #1
felipenavarro
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Homework Statement


a small ball of mass "m" is traveling with an initial velocity v in the positive x direction. it collides with a larger vall of mass M that is initially at rest. after the collision, the smaller ball is at rest. What is the final velocity, V, of the larger ball?

options are:

a. V=v
b. V=-v
c. V=0
d. V=(M/m)v
e. V=(m/M)v


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



well, i understand that in order for a ball to have a velocity of 0 after colliding(in a elastic collision) with another one, the other one must have equal mass and it will continue with the velocity the first one had. in the problem it says that the second one has greater mass so it can not be an elastic collison because the firs ball would have bounced off with a negative velicocity. so it must be inelastic and if they are stuck together both have a speed of 0.

ok, this is one way of looking at the problem but i don't know if it is correct.

answer e also looks correct because it is what you get after solving momenun initial=momentum final

which one is correct?
 
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  • #2
use conservation of momentum, what is the result?
 
  • #3
with conservation of momentum it is answer e. but isn't the reasoning i said before correct?
 
  • #4
imagine a bowling ball and a tennis ball floating in a vacuum or something

isn't it possible to hit the bowling ball with the tennis ball and the result be that the tennis ball ends up with zero velocity and the bowling ball moves a little? It's a very precise situation.
 
  • #5
your right,! i didnt thought about a low speed.
 
  • #6
you can see that the final velocity of the larger mass is going to be some smaller fraction of the smaller guy's initial velocity because it's v(m/M)

m/M is always going to be some fraction less than one

only when the smaller mass ends with a velocity of zero, ofc
 

Related to What Is the Final Velocity of the Larger Ball After Collision?

1. What is a tricky collision problem?

A tricky collision problem is a type of physics problem that involves predicting the outcome of a collision between two or more objects. These types of problems can be challenging because they require knowledge of various physical principles, such as momentum, energy, and conservation laws.

2. How do I solve a tricky collision problem?

The first step in solving a tricky collision problem is to identify the type of collision, such as elastic or inelastic. Then, you can use equations and principles such as conservation of momentum and energy to mathematically determine the outcome of the collision. It can also be helpful to draw diagrams and visualize the problem to better understand it.

3. What are some common mistakes when solving tricky collision problems?

Some common mistakes when solving tricky collision problems include forgetting to account for all of the objects involved in the collision, using incorrect equations, and not considering factors such as friction or external forces. It is important to carefully read the problem and think critically about all of the variables involved.

4. Can tricky collision problems be solved using computer simulations?

Yes, computer simulations can be used to solve tricky collision problems. These simulations use mathematical models and algorithms to simulate the behavior of objects during a collision. They can be helpful in visualizing and understanding the problem, but it is still important to have a good understanding of the underlying physics principles.

5. Are there real-life applications for solving tricky collision problems?

Yes, understanding and solving tricky collision problems has many real-life applications. For example, engineers may use these principles to design safer cars or predict the outcome of a car crash. In sports, athletes may also use these principles to improve their performance, such as in the game of billiards.

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