How Do You Calculate the Ratio of Final to Initial Kinetic Energy in Collisions?

[Meteo]

Theres some calculations in this problem that I just don't get...

Start with the equations for initial and final momenta and kinetic energies and derive the

theoretical equation for the ratio fo K_f to K_i

P_i=Mv_i
P_f=(M+m)v_f
K_i=1/2Mv_i^2
K_f=1/2(M+m)V_f^2
K_f/K_i=1/2(M+m)v_f^2/1/2Mv_i^2=M/(M+m) this part I don't get. I only get

(M+m)/M and I am assuming that v_f and v_i

cancel out...

I basically solved for M=P_i/v_i and (M+m)=P_f/v_f<br />
I plug it into kinetic energy equations and get K_f/K_i=P_f/P_i I guess <br /> <br /> v_f and v_i cancel out? Is this answer correct?

 

[Cyrus]

I don't understand the intial question, are two bodies inelastically colliding? Could you be more specific as to the problem please.

 

[Meteo]

Yes, it is an inelastic collision.

Also a separate question is what would the difference between an elastic and inelastic collision?

 

[Cyrus]

the intial and final velocities are not going to be the same, in general. A simple example is a fly hitting a winsheild. Its traveling with its initial speed of let's say 2m/s. It hits the truck, and gets stuck on the winsheild, now its moving at the speed of the truck, maybe 30m/s.

 

[jtbell]

difference between an elastic and inelastic collision?

In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy is conserved. In an inelastic collision, the total kinetic energy is not conserved.

 

[Cyrus]

I think the most you can do is simplify the ratio as:

(1 + \frac{m}{M}) (\frac{V_f}{V_i})^2

but if you want it in terms of intial and final momentum it will be:

( \frac {M}{M+m})( \frac{ P_f}{P_i})^2

 

[Dr.Brain]

In an elastic collision , the initial and kinetic energies remain the same But in inelastic collision , some of the initial KE is lost to the surroundings as other forms of energy like heat/sound , but in both the cases , the Total energy is always conserved.

BJ