Finding kinetic energy retained by an object after an elastic head-on collision

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To find the kinetic energy retained by the 0.10 kg object after an elastic head-on collision, first ensure the final velocities of both objects are calculated correctly using conservation of momentum and energy. The initial kinetic energy of the 0.10 kg object is determined by the formula 1/2 * m * v^2. After calculating the final kinetic energies of both objects, compare the retained kinetic energy of the 0.10 kg object to the initial kinetic energy to find the percentage retained. Remember that the total final kinetic energy should equal the initial kinetic energy due to conservation principles. This approach will clarify the energy distribution post-collision.
JuniorJumper
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Hi, I am new to the forums & I have a question about the following problem:

A 0.10 kg object moving initially with a velocity of 0.20 m/s makes an elastic head-on collision with a 0.15 kg object initially at rest. What percentage of the original kinetic energy is retained by the 0.10 kg object?

m1=0.10 kg
vi1=0.20 m/s
v1f=-0.0025 m/s

m2=0.15 kg
vi2=0.00 m/s
v2f=0.198 m/s

I calculated the final velocities of both objects after the collision, but can not decide how to find the kinetic energy retained by m1. I tried finding the kinetic energy lost by m1 (0.002) but then I didnt know where to go from there. I know this must be a simple problem, but I am just not seeing it? Thanks for any guidance :)
 
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You must use conservation of energy AND conservation of linear momemtum. Once you have calculated the final velocities correctly (your's appear to be incorrect :cry:) then you can calculate their respective kinetic energies (1/2*mv^2). You can then compare each final kinetic energy to the initial system energy (K1/Kinitial and K2/Kinitial) to obtain your percentages (note that they should add to 100%). Also, since energy is conserved the sum of the final kinetic energies will equal the initial kinetic energy (of the incoming object). Hope this helps! Good luck!
 
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