The discussion centers on the physics of momentum during a collision between a bowling ball and a golf ball, where the bowling ball, having a significantly larger mass, strikes the stationary golf ball. Participants clarify that momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in such collisions, leading to the conclusion that the golf ball can achieve a velocity that is twice that of the bowling ball post-collision. The relevant equations of motion and conservation laws are essential for understanding this phenomenon.
PREREQUISITESPhysics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of collisions and momentum in sports contexts.
huynhtn2 said:A mass that is significantly larger than another. The larger mass hits the stationary smaller mass. I don't understand why the smaller mass has a velocity of 2 times the larger mass after the collision.
Does it have something to do with v1(initial) - v1(final) = v2(initial) - v2(final)?