Solving a Fishy Collision: Velocity After Impact

AI Thread Summary
In this discussion, the scenario involves a large fish initially traveling at 2 m/s colliding with a smaller fish at rest. The large fish weighs three times more than the smaller fish, leading to a completely inelastic collision. Participants clarify that the principle of conservation of momentum should be applied, equating initial momentum to final momentum to determine the velocities after the collision. The consensus is that both fish will not travel at the same speed post-collision due to their differing masses. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
HelloMotto
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Homework Statement



A large fish traveling at 2m/s initially swallos at a smaller fish which is initially at rest. The large fish then, travels at a reduced speed. The large fish weighs 3 times heavier than the smaller fish. What is the velocity of the large fish and the small fish after the collision?

I have no clue as to how to figure this out. Shouldn't both fish be traveling at the same speed after the collision?
 
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HelloMotto said:
Shouldn't both fish be traveling at the same speed after the collision?
Right. It's an example of a completely inelastic "collision". Set initial momentum equal to final momentum.
 

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