Conservation of Momentum in Collision between a Ball and a Truck

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In a collision between a 0.2 kg ball traveling at 20 m/s to the left and a 20,000 kg truck moving at 25 m/s to the right, the speed of the ball after the collision can be calculated using momentum conservation principles. The assumption that the truck's change in speed is negligible leads to confusion, as momentum conservation must consider both objects. The discussion highlights that if the truck's momentum remains unchanged, the ball's momentum cannot be calculated accurately, suggesting the need for a different approach. It is noted that the problem implies a completely elastic collision, with the theoretical maximum speed of the ball being 70 m/s. Analyzing the situation from the truck's reference frame, where its mass is significantly larger, provides a better approximation for the ball's resultant velocity.
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A ball weighing .2kg is traveling 20ms-1 to the left, a 20 000kg truck is traveling 25ms-1 to the right. What is the speed of the ball after the collision
(M1V1) + (M2V2)before=(M1V1) + (M2V2)after
This seemed so obvious, but i keep getting it wrong. The answer is 70ms-1. The only thing that i could be doing wrong is assuming the change in speed of the truck is negligible. Thanks for the help in advance.
 
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The question is quite unclear.They are implying a completely elastic collision here as the theoretical maximum velocity of ball is 70 m/s,assuming there is no change in velocity of the truck.
Your basic assumption was correct but the manner of application was wrong.If there is no change in momentum of truck then no change in momentum of ball too,isn't it? Then the ball would probably go through the truck! Hence momentum conservation is not justified.
In such cases the coefficient of restitution is defined (which is arbitratily 1 in this case).
 
Try looking at this situation from the reference frame of the truck, who's mass is >> than the balls. Then, knowing that kinetic energy is conserved, you can solve for the resultant velocity of the ball treating the mass of the truck as infinitely large. This will yield a very good approximation.
 
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