Conservation of Momentum in an Elastic Collision

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In a totally elastic collision between two balls of equal mass, the conservation of momentum principle applies, represented by the equation p1i + p2i = p1f + p2f. When a moving ball collides with a stationary ball, the moving ball comes to a stop, and the stationary ball takes on its velocity. The momentum before the collision is equal to the momentum after the collision, confirming that momentum is conserved. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the initial and final momentum states, particularly which variables are zero before and after the collision. Overall, the conservation of momentum is a fundamental concept illustrated by this scenario.
mrhingle
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Work out in detail the situation in which a moving all collides with a stationary ball in a totally elastic collision. Assume the balls have the same mass when doing this calculation. How does conservation of momentum show itself in this situation?


p = mv F = ma p1i + p2i = p1f + p2f

I assume the ball in motion stops and the ball at rest assumes the total velocity? Don't know how to describe this mathematically. Don't really understand how to explain it verbally either. Just remember it from good ole' marbles.
 
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I assume the ball in motion stops and the ball at rest assumes the total velocity?

Yes.

p = mv F = ma p1i + p2i = p1f + p2f

I don't quite understand what you wrote down here.


Because it is an elastic collision momentum will be conserved. What does the formula for conservation of momentum look like? Which variables will be 0 (and there for contribute to 0 momentum) before and after the collision?
 

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