Simple derivation for elastic collisions, where is my mistake?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around deriving the velocity of a target in an elastic collision. The original poster shares a scan of their work, seeking help to identify a mistake in their derivation. Respondents confirm that the derived expression for the target's velocity (u2) is correct but note that the poster's final answer does not align with standard conventions. Typically, the focus is on expressing u2 in terms of the initial velocity (v1) rather than the final velocity (u1). The conversation emphasizes clarity in presenting the final expressions for elastic collision problems.
mathman44
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Homework Statement



http://postimage.org/image/j2ccrtjp1/

Here is a scan of my work. The problem is on the scan. Just trying to derive the velocity of the target in an elastic collision, as sketched in the image...

Can't seem to find the problem for the life of me.
 
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Your work looks good and the expression you derived for u2 is correct! :smile: You just didn't give the correct expression for what you claim the answer should be.

Usually people are more interested in writing the answer for u2 in terms of the initial velocity v1 rather than the final velocity u1.
 
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