 Quote by aaj92
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A particle of mass m[itex]_{1}[/itex] and speed v[itex]_{1}[/itex] collides with a second particle of mass m[itex]_{2}[/itex] at rest. If the collision is perfectly inelastic what fraction of the kinetic energy is lost in the collision? Comment on your answer for the casses that m1 is much much smaller than m2 and vice versa.
2. Relevant equations
KE = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]mv[itex]^{2}[/itex]
3. The attempt at a solution
m[itex]_{1}[/itex]v[itex]^{2}_{1}[/itex] = (m[itex]_{1}[/itex]+m[itex]_{2}[/itex])v[itex]^{2}_{f}[/itex]
if this is right... not really sure how to show as fraction of lost kinetic energy :/
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Keep in mind that momentum is ALWAYS conserved. So you should be able to find an expression for V
f in terms of the masses and V
1. Then you'll be able to directly compare the initial and final kinetic energies.