Elastic collision problem, I to find the mistake

AI Thread Summary
In an elastic collision involving two equal mass objects, one object is initially at rest while the other has an initial velocity u1. After the collision, the first object’s velocity is reduced to 3/5 of its initial speed. The conservation of momentum equation leads to the conclusion that the second object's velocity after the collision, v2, should be (2/5)u1; however, this result is questioned as potentially incorrect. The discussion emphasizes the need to consider both momentum and energy conservation principles, particularly in a two-dimensional context where velocity components may not align. Clarification on the final speed and the nature of the collision is essential for accurate calculations.
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Homework Statement



Two objects with equal masses undergo an elastic collision in 2 dimensions. Object 1 has an initial velocity u1 and object 2 is initially at rest. After the collision, object 1 is observed to have a velocity equal to 3/5 of it's initial velocity. What is the velocity of object 2 after the collision, v2, in units of u1?

The Attempt at a Solution



Let[/B]

m1 = m2 = m

initial speeds,
u1 = u1


u2 = 0

final speeds,

v1 = (3/5)*u1

v2 = ?

Apply conservation of momentum

m1*u1 + m2*u2 = m1*v1 + m2*v2

m*u1 + 0 = m*(3/5)*u1 + m*v2

u1 = (3/5)*u1 + v2

v2 = u1*(1- 3/5)

= (2/5)*u1 or 0.4*u1 <<<<<<<-----Answer (unfortunately it's wrong but I don't know why!)
 
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It is said that the collision is elastic and is two-dimensional- It should mean that the velocity of m1 is not parallel with the initial velocity. Check the original text if the final speed is 3/5 of the initial speed?
 
ehild said:
It is said that the collision is elastic and is two-dimensional- It should mean that the velocity of m1 is not parallel with the initial velocity. Check the original text if the final speed is 3/5 of the initial speed?
yes it's 3/5 of the initial speed
 
Assume that both objects have both x and y components and use energy conservation, too.
 
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