Elastic Collisions in One Dimension

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion on elastic collisions, a cart with a mass of 310 g and an initial speed of 1.4 m/s collides elastically with a stationary cart of unknown mass. After the collision, the first cart moves at 0.64 m/s, prompting the need to apply conservation of momentum and kinetic energy equations. The user attempts to set up the equations but realizes they need the final velocity of the second cart to solve for its mass. The conversation highlights the importance of both momentum and energy conservation in elastic collisions. Clarification is sought on whether the problem specifies an elastic collision and what exactly needs to be calculated.
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Homework Statement


A cart with mass 310 g moving on a frictionless linear air track at an initial speed of 1.4 m/s undergoes an elastic collision with an initially stationary cart of unknown mass. After the collision, the first cart continues in its original direction at 0.64 m/s.


Homework Equations



(1/2)m1vo^2 +(1/2)m2vo^2 = (1/2)m1vf^2 + (1/2)m2vf^2


The Attempt at a Solution



(310)(1.4)^2 + 0 = (310)(.64)^2 + m2vf^2

(310)(1.4)^2 - (310)(.64)^2 = m2vf^2

but I feel like I need vf to find m2 so how am I supposed to go from here?
 
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Two things have to be conserved in an elastic collision. One is energy, which you have. What's the other one?
 
And momentum
which would be

m1v1o = m1v1f + m2v2f ?
 
you sure it didnt say "inelastic" instead? and what exactly are they asking you to work out : /
 
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