Elastic Collision Problem - pretty sure my answer isn't right.

AI Thread Summary
In the elastic collision problem, Walt collides with Wolfie, resulting in a final speed for Wolfie that the poster initially calculates as 4.17 m/s. This value raises concerns since it exceeds Walt's initial speed of 3.7 m/s, which seems counterintuitive. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering the masses of the bumper cars in the kinetic energy calculations, as they contribute to the overall system's energy conservation. It is noted that while Wolfie is less massive than Walt, he could still achieve a higher speed post-collision due to the principles of energy conservation. The conversation highlights the need to reassess the calculations to ensure they align with the laws of physics governing elastic collisions.
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Homework Statement


Walt and Wolfie collide in bumper cars of mass 50 kg each. Walt has a mass of 78 kg, and Wolfie has a mass of 61 kg. Walt strikes Wolfie from the rear at V = 3.7 m/s. If the collision is elastic, Wolfie is initially at rest, and Walt's final speed is 0.2655 m/s in the same direction, what is Wolfie's speed after the collision?


Homework Equations


m1*(u1^2)/2 = m1*(v1^2)/2 + m2*(v2^2)/2


The Attempt at a Solution


78*(3.7^2)/2 = 78*(0.2655^2)/2 + 61*(x^2)/2
and I get 4.17 m/s, but that doesn't seem right to me.
Can anyone shed some light on this for me?
 
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Why doesn't 4.17 m/s sound reasonable to you?
 
Then Wolfie's speed after the collision is higher than the velocity that Walt hit Wolfie with initially, which doesn't seem right.
 
What happened to the mass of the bumper cars themselves?
 
Along SteamKing's lines, remember that the bumper cars are part of the kinetic energies we're talking about. With that said, Wolfie is less massive that Walt, so might it be conceivable that he's going faster than Walt was? We're talking about energy conservation, not velocity conservation.
 
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