Simple elastic particle problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving an elastic collision problem involving two objects: a 61.9 kg object moving at 43.3 cm/s and a 44.9 kg object moving at 26.9 cm/s. The key to finding the final velocities of both objects post-collision lies in applying the conservation of linear momentum and the conservation of kinetic energy principles. The participants emphasize the need to set up equations for both momentum and kinetic energy to solve for the unknown final velocities of the objects after the collision.

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Homework Statement



A 61.9kg object moving to the right at 43.3 cm/s overtakes and collides elastically with a second 44.9kg object moving in the same direction at 26.9cm/s

Find the velocity of the second object after the collision.


Homework Equations


My homework says its in the chapter and section with "velocity of the center of mass" and "momentum in terms of velocity of CM" But I think its wrong and I should be looking at the elastic collision chapter.



The Attempt at a Solution



I tried doing conservation of momentum but I don't know the velocity of object 1 after collision.
I tried using the elastic collision equations but those use one mass having a velocity of 0.

I pretty much confused where to start.
 
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seanistic said:
I tried doing conservation of momentum but I don't know the velocity of object 1 after collision.
I tried using the elastic collision equations but those use one mass having a velocity of 0.

I pretty much confused where to start.

Use the conservation of linear momentum with the two unknown final velocities.
and then remember that in an elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved and you can now find the two values for the final velocities.
 

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