Collision Problem: Find Mass of Second Box

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The discussion centers on solving a collision problem involving a 5 kg box with an initial velocity of 2 m/s colliding with a stationary box. Using the principle of conservation of momentum, the mass of the second box can be calculated. The equation used is m1 * v1_initial + m2 * v2_initial = (m1 + m2) * v_final. The final velocity after the collision is 0.5 m/s, leading to the conclusion that the mass of the second box is 15 kg.

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A 5 kg box with initial velocity of 2 m/s collides with another box at rest. They stick together after the collision with a final velocity of .5 m/s.

A. Find the mass of the second box.
Here is tried using the conservation of momentum by setting the initial to the final but it isn't seeming to work.

B. If the 5 kg box bounced back with a velocity of 2 m/s what will be the velocity of the second box.
Can't do this because I am unable to find the mass of the second box from problem A.
 
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cjmagic said:
A. Find the mass of the second box.
Here is tried using the conservation of momentum by setting the initial to the final but it isn't seeming to work.
Show what you did. What equation did you use for conservation of momentum?
 

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