What Mass Must the Smaller Ball Have to Prevent the Larger Ball from Bouncing?

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To prevent the larger ball from bouncing back after it hits the floor, the mass of the smaller ball must be equal to or greater than the mass of the larger ball. The discussion emphasizes the conservation of momentum and energy during the collision. When the larger ball strikes the ground, it transfers its momentum to the smaller ball, which must have sufficient mass to absorb this impact. The solution hinges on understanding that if the smaller ball's mass is less than the larger ball's, it will not be able to prevent the bounce. Therefore, the smaller ball's mass must match or exceed the larger ball's mass for it to remain at rest on the floor.
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Homework Statement


2 balls fall from a given height. 1 ball is smaller than the other and the mass of the bigger ball is given. The larger ball is directly below the smaller ball when dropped and the separation is distance is negligible. When the larger ball hits the floor, the smaller ball collides with the larger ball. What is the mass of the smaller ball if it prevents the larger ball from bouncing back up (it remains at rest on the floor)?


Homework Equations



Kinetic energy, conservation of energy

The Attempt at a Solution



The mass of the smaller ball is equal to that of the larger ball.
I am not sure of this answer though
 
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Show how you arrived at this answer. Hint: What's conserved?
 

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