Help elastic head-on collision

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an elastic head-on collision involving two objects of different masses. The original poster seeks to determine the final velocity of the first object and the fraction of kinetic energy transferred to the second object after the collision.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the conservation of momentum but expresses confusion about how to proceed after establishing the initial equation. Participants suggest that additional equations related to kinetic energy are necessary for solving the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the principles of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy in elastic collisions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for a second equation, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or resolution of the confusion expressed by the original poster.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of understanding regarding the application of conservation laws in this context, particularly in formulating expressions for kinetic energy before and after the collision.

snowbelle
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a 3.42g object moving to the right at 16.4 cm/s makes an elastic head-on collision with a 6.84g object that is initially at rest. find the velocity of the first object immediately after collision. Answer in units of cm/s. What fraction of the initial kinetic energy is transferred to the 6.84g object?

I don't understand how to do this problem. I think for the first part is it
M1v1i+M2V2i=M1V1f+M2V2f
and I am lost after that. I completely don't get part 2
 
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Indeed, you have:
[tex]P_{\rm{initial}}=P_{\rm{final}}[/itex]<br /> which gives you one equation.<br /> <br /> But, you have two unknowns ([itex]v_1[/itex] and [itex]v_2[/itex]), so you'll need another equation. What do you know about elastic collisions?[/tex]
 
energy and momentum is conserved in elastic collisions?
 
snowbelle said:
energy and momentum is conserved in elastic collisions?

Right. The equation you have listed only deals with momentum.
 
hmm i still don't get it
 
snowbelle said:
hmm i still don't get it

Can you write expressions for the total kinetic energy before and after the collision?
 

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