Physics Help: Calculating Speed for a Sled Collision Test Tomorrow

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The discussion revolves around calculating the pre-impact speed of two sleds involved in an elastic collision. Sled A has a mass of 0.1 kg and moves at 0.5 m/s after colliding with sled B, which has a mass of 0.4 kg and is initially at rest. Participants emphasize the importance of applying the principles of conservation of momentum and energy to solve the problem. The original poster expresses confusion and seeks guidance on how to approach the calculations. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for understanding basic physics concepts related to elastic collisions.
Pytagoras
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Basic physics, need some help :D

Hi, first i would like to start of by saying that i am norwegian, so my english skills is not so good. But anyway, I am having this test tomorrow and i need some help! Its about physics! I translated the task as good as i could!

To sleds with elastic bumpers collides with each other on a air-cussion course. Sled A's mass is 0,1kg, and sled b's mass is 0,4 kg. After the impact, sled A is moving at 0,5m/s and sled B is standing still. Calculate the speed of the to sleds before the impact.

Thanks for all answears!
If something is badly explained, please let me know!
 
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Because it's given that the bumpers are elastic, I guess you should assume that the collision is elastic.

Can you tell me what principle or concept you should apply here? For example, what can you say about the energy and momentum of the sleds?
 
I seriousy don't know, that's the task, i have no more info that that.
I don't have a clue how i should do this :(
 
Pytagoras said:
I don't have a clue how i should do this :(

Yes, but you should try to figure out what principles you should apply by yourself.
Try using the hint I gave you on my last post about the energy and momentum of the two sleds.
 
Okay, I am doing this for a friend, so me myself as i said have no clue :D
Thanks for the help so far :D
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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