How is the coefficient of restitution zero for this problem?

AI Thread Summary
The coefficient of restitution (CR) is defined as the ratio of relative speed after a collision to relative speed before the collision. In this scenario, the CR is zero because the relative velocity after the collision is zero, indicating that the two objects stick together upon impact. The formula for CR confirms this, as substituting the relative velocities yields a result of zero. Understanding relative velocity is crucial to grasping why the CR is zero in this case. The discussion emphasizes the importance of interpreting the problem's information correctly to arrive at the conclusion.
Benjamin_harsh
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Homework Statement
A mass ##m_{1}## of 100kg travelling with a uniform velocity of 5m/sec
along a line collides with a stationary mass ##m_{2}## of 1000kg. After the
collision,both the masses travel together with the same velocity.
The coefficient of restitution is zero.
Relevant Equations
##coefficient\; of \;restitution = \large\frac{Relative\; speed \;after \;collision}{Relative\; speed\; before\; collision} \normalsize= 0##
##coefficient\; of \;restitution = \large\frac{Relative\; speed \;after \;collision}{Relative\; speed\; before\; collision} \normalsize= 0##
 
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There is enough information in the problem to explicitly calculate. Think of what the relative speed after collision is.
 
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Benjamin_harsh said:
How is the coefficient of restitution zero for this problem?
1- The question tells you it is zero.
2- The relative velocity after collision is zero. So the formula, ##CR=\frac{RV_{after}}{RV_{before}}## also tells you CR is zero.

The two objects collide and stick together.
 
Merlin3189 said:
2- The relative velocity after collision is zero. So the formula, ##CR=\frac{RV_{after}}{RV_{before}}## also tells you CR is zero.
What values should I substitute in ##RV_{after}## and ##RV_{before}##?
 
Sorry, I don't like to do maths :rolleyes:.
The value you should substitute for ##RV_{after}## is the relative velocity after they collide.
So the physics question is, "what is the relative velocity after collision?"
If you know what relative velocity means, then the question tells you this explicitly (in different words.)

Do you understand relative velocity?
 
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