I need the final velocity of two balls

AI Thread Summary
To find the final velocities of two balls after a collision, use the principles of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy. In an elastic collision, the kinetic energy before and after the collision is conserved, allowing the calculation of final velocities using the formula V2f = sqrt(m1 * v1i^2 / m2). For inelastic collisions, the total mechanical energy is conserved, meaning the final velocities may not be equal, and the final velocity of one ball does not necessarily equal that of the other. A simple way to determine if a collision is elastic or inelastic is to check if kinetic energy is conserved. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately calculating the outcomes of collisions.
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m1 = 5, v1i = +10
m2 = 3, v2i = 0

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How do I find v1f and v2f?

The balls crash into each other and after the crash I want to know the final velocity.
 
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Assuming the crash is a totally elastic collision all of the initial energy will be transferred into the kinetic energy of the first ball will be transferred to the second ball so you can use
E.Ki=m1v1i^2/2=m2V2f^2/2, so V2final will equal the square root of m1iV1i^2/m2 that's if it is a totally elastic collision if it is inelastic M.E. will equal the sum of both E.K
 
I was reading and looking at some of the animations on inelastic and elastic collision on Wikipedia and I have a very narrow idea of which is which.

1) Do you know a simple way of testing when a collision is elastic or inelastic?
2) If it is inelastic M.E. will equal the sum of both E.K, what does that mean? Sorry big noob here.

[EDIT] Just noticed something, is this right? velocity final 1 for inelastic collision is always equal to velocity final 2?
v1f = v2f?
 
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