How Far Does a Stationary Object Move When Struck by a Moving Object?

[CrazyNeutrino]

If I throw an object of mass m with a velocity v against another object of mass M and is stationary, how far would the second object move? Can you please show me how I would solve this? Just show me how to derive the distance it travels, algebraicaly.

 

[member 392791]

well you know about the conservation of momentum, and I assume the floor has friction. Use these ideas to solve how far it goes

 

[CrazyNeutrino]

Yeah using conservation of momentum I can always find the velocity the object will travel but how will I find how far. Ignore friction.

 

[member 392791]

well if there's no friction on the floor, what is stopping it?

 

[Peppino]

You would need to know the amount of friction and coefficient of restitution of the collision.

 

[CrazyNeutrino]

Jeez I didn't think of that. What an idiot I am. Sorry