How to Find Final Velocities in an Elastic Collision?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the final velocities of two carts involved in an elastic collision, given their masses (1 kg for Cart A and 3 kg for Cart B) and the spring potential energy of 24 Joules. The user initially struggled with the lack of information on the spring constant and displacement, which are essential for applying the spring potential energy formula. Ultimately, the user deduced that the elastic potential energy is equal to the kinetic energy, leading to the correct application of the kinetic energy formula (Ek = 0.5 * m * V^2) to find the final velocities without relying on momentum equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elastic collisions and conservation of momentum
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy formulas (Ek = 0.5 * m * V^2)
  • Familiarity with spring potential energy equations (Es = 0.5 * k * Δx^2)
  • Basic principles of impulse and momentum (F * Δt = Impulse)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of energy in elastic collisions
  • Learn how to calculate spring constant (k) and its application in potential energy equations
  • Explore detailed examples of elastic collision problems involving multiple objects
  • Investigate the relationship between impulse and momentum in dynamic systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of elastic collisions and energy conservation principles in physics.

ineedhelp2395
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Mass of cart A: 1kg
Mass of Cart B: 3Kg
Spring potential energy: 24 Joules
Two carts are pushed apart when the spring is released.
Thats all the given and I'm suppose to find the final velocity.

I have no idea how to get started.
For me to use Es=(1/2)K*DeltaX^2, i don't have delta x or spring konstant.
For me to use P=M*V, Mass is not give and i don't know the momentum.
The only other equation i have i think that is related to this topic is the impulse equation. F*deltaT= Impulse
 
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When i drew the momentum bar graph, i set spring as the impulse so there was no momentum in beging but some at the end.
 
Now i figured out using lol diagram that es would be equal to ek so then Ek=.5*m*V^2 and found the velocity not using the momentum. Anyone think what i did was wrong?
 

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