Momentum: When a bowling ball hits a golf ball

In summary, when a larger mass hits a stationary smaller mass, the smaller mass will have a velocity of 2 times the larger mass after the collision. This is due to the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy in the collision. Writing down these conditions can help find the expression for the velocity of the smaller mass after the collision.
  • #1
huynhtn2
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A mass that is significantly larger than another. The larger mass hits the stationary smaller mass. I don't understand why the smaller mass has a velocity of 2 times the larger mass after the collision.

Does it have something to do with v1(initial) - v1(final) = v2(initial) - v2(final)?
 
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  • #2
huynhtn2 said:
A mass that is significantly larger than another. The larger mass hits the stationary smaller mass. I don't understand why the smaller mass has a velocity of 2 times the larger mass after the collision.

Does it have something to do with v1(initial) - v1(final) = v2(initial) - v2(final)?

I don't believe that your equation is true. What is true is that the momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in the collision. You might try writing those conditions down in order to find an expression for the velocity of the golf ball after the collision.
 

1. What is momentum?

Momentum is a measure of an object's movement. It is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity.

2. How does momentum change when a bowling ball hits a golf ball?

When a bowling ball hits a golf ball, the momentum of the bowling ball is transferred to the golf ball. This means that the golf ball will gain momentum and move in the direction of the bowling ball's initial velocity.

3. What happens to the momentum of the bowling ball after colliding with the golf ball?

After colliding with the golf ball, the momentum of the bowling ball will decrease. This is due to the conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external force.

4. How does the mass and velocity of each ball affect the momentum in this scenario?

The momentum of an object is directly proportional to its mass and velocity. This means that the larger the mass or the greater the velocity, the higher the momentum will be. In the case of a bowling ball and a golf ball, the bowling ball has a larger mass and therefore, a higher momentum compared to the golf ball.

5. Can momentum be transferred between objects of different masses?

Yes, momentum can be transferred between objects of different masses. This is evident in the scenario of a bowling ball hitting a golf ball. The momentum of the bowling ball is transferred to the golf ball, even though they have different masses.

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