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

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SUMMARY

The problem involves two balls, one larger and one smaller, where the larger ball's mass is known. When dropped from a height, the larger ball collides with the floor, and the smaller ball must have a mass equal to the larger ball to prevent it from bouncing back. This conclusion is derived from the principles of kinetic energy and conservation of momentum, which dictate that the smaller ball must exert enough force to keep the larger ball at rest upon impact.

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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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