Conservation of momentum basics

AI Thread Summary
In an elastic collision between two baseballs, where ball 1 is twice as heavy as ball 2, the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy must be applied. Given that ball 1 travels at a speed of 7/5v1 after impact, the equation v2 - 1.8v1 = vf was derived to find the final speed of ball 2. The resulting equation, 1.6v1 = 2v2, indicates the relationship between the speeds of the two balls post-collision. It highlights the importance of considering both momentum and kinetic energy in elastic collisions. Understanding these principles is essential for solving problems related to momentum conservation.
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Two baseballs undergo a head-on collision. Ball 1 is twice as heavy as ball 2. Ball 1 is traveling at an initial speed of v1, while ball 2 had an initial speed of v2. Elastic collision. If ball 1 travels at a speed of 7/5v1 after impact, what is the speed of ball 2?

Conservation of momentum led me to this equation:

v2 - 1.8v1 = vf

(vf is the velocity of ball 2)

The answer is 1.6v1 = 2v2

I know there is some basic idea that i am missing...
 
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Elastic collision, so kinetic energy is conserved as well.
 

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