Conservation of Momentum and Energy in Elastic Collisions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conservation of momentum and energy in elastic collisions, specifically involving two packages of mass m and 7.00m. The initial velocity of the smaller mass, calculated using kinematics, is 0.865 m/s upon impact with the larger mass. The confusion arises when determining the rebound height of the smaller mass after an elastic collision, with the incorrect assumption that it returns to the original height of 2.44 m. The correct approach requires applying both conservation of momentum and conservation of energy principles.

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  • Understanding of kinematics and velocity calculations
  • Knowledge of conservation of momentum principles
  • Familiarity with conservation of energy equations
  • Basic concepts of elastic collisions
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Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying mechanics and collision theory, as well as anyone interested in understanding the principles of momentum and energy conservation in elastic collisions.

mathewings
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A package of mass m is released from rest at a warehouse loading dock and slides down a 2.44 m high frictionless chute to a waiting truck. Unfortunately, the truck driver went on a break without having removed the previous package, of mass 7.00m, from the bottom of the chute. Suppose the packages stick together. What is their common speed after the collision?

Answer: 0.865 m/s

I solved this easily using kinematics to determine the small mass's velocity upon hitting the large mass. Then using conservation of momentum to isoalte the combined velocity. However, this secodn question confuses me:

Suppose the collision between the packages is elastic. To what height does the package of mass m rebound?

I've tried conservation of energy equations and always end up with a rebound to the original height of 2.44m. Can anyone offer suggestions?
 
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mathewings said:
I've tried conservation of energy equations and always end up with a rebound to the original height of 2.44m. Can anyone offer suggestions?
What makes you think your answer is incorrect?
 
How did you set up your conservation of energy equation for the collision? (You still need conservation of momentum as well.)
 

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