Conservation of Momentum- Elastic collision

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about the conservation of momentum during an elastic collision, a small ball (m1) is dropped onto a larger ball (m2 = 0.63 kg) from a height of 1.8 m. The key problem involves determining the mass of the smaller ball that would cause the larger ball to stop after an elastic collision. The velocities of both balls upon reaching the ground are calculated to be 5.9 m/s, and the larger ball's velocity after rebounding is -5.9 m/s. The user struggles with two unknowns in their equations, indicating a need for a system of equations that includes conservation of kinetic energy. The correct mass of the smaller ball, according to the textbook, is 0.21 kg.
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Homework Statement


A small ball of mass, ##m_1## is aligned above a larger ball of mass ##m_2=0.63kg##, with a slight seperation. The two are dropped simultaneously from a height ##h=1.8m##(Assume the radius of each ball is negligible relative to h.) (a) If the larger ball rebounds elastically from the floor and then the small ball rebounds elastically from the larger ball, what value of ##m_1## results in the larger ball stopping when it collides with the small ball?(b)What height does the small ball then reach?


Homework Equations


##p=mv##
##KE=(1/2)mv^2##
For part b: ##v^2_f=v^2_i+2a(y-y_0)##


The Attempt at a Solution


I used ##PE=KE## to find the velocities of both balls as they reach the ground to be ##v_1=v_2=5.9m/s##. Where v1 is the velocity of the larger ball and v2 is of the smaller ball.
Since the big ball rebounds elastically off the floor and the floor doesn't move, it's velocity after bouncing is just ##v_1=-5.9m/s##.
Other values deduced: ##v_1'=0##, where ##v_1'## is the velocity AFTER colliding with the ball.

##m_1v_1+m_2v_2=m_1v_1'+m_2v_2'## Where ##v_2'## is the velocity of the small ball after the collision with the larger ball. ##m_1v_1'=0## if the large ball stops.

Where I'm getting hung up is I have 2 unknowns. I tried also writing out the an equation depicting conservation of KE and using those two as a system of equations, but I'm either doing my algebra wrong, or it's just not the right way to go. I have what I think is a clear pictured of what is going on in my head, but I'm just not seeing how to get mass without that other velocity##v_2'##. The answer in the back of the book is .21kg. I'm not worried about part b. That part will be easy enough after I finish part a.
 
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Jesse H. said:
Where v1 is the velocity of the larger ball and v2 is of the smaller ball.
You have your 1s and 2s swapped. m1 is the smaller ball.
I tried also writing out the an equation depicting conservation of KE and using those two as a system of equations, but I'm either doing my algebra wrong, or it's just not the right way to go.
It is the right way to go. You are told the balls bounce elastically off each other, and you need this extra equation. Pls post your working.
 
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