Distance from wall of collision

[hendrix7]

Homework Statement

'A small smooth sphere moves on a horizontal table and strikes an identical sphere lying at rest on the table at a distance d from a vertical wall, the impact being along the line of centres and perpendicular to the wall. Find the distance from the wall of the next impact between the spheres in terms of d and e where e is the coefficient of restitution for all the impacts involved.'

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I have tried using e(u₁- u₂) = v₂ - v₁
conservation of momentum: u₁ = v₁ + v₂
but got into a bit of a mess. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kuruman]

You have two equations and two unknowns, the final velocities of the two balls. Can you find what they are? You also need to fix the coefficient of restitution equation to conform to this problem.

 

[haruspex]

got into a bit of a mess

To help you we need to see that mess. Please post all your working.