One object is at rest, and another is moving. The two collide in a one-dimension

Question

One object is at rest, and another is moving. The two collide in a one-dimensional, completely inelastic collision. In other words, they stick together after the collision and move off with a common velocity. Momentum is conserved. The speed of the object that is moving initially is 26 m/s. The masses of the two objects are 3.6 and 8.9 kg. Determine the final speed of the two-object system after the collision for the case (a) when the large-mass object is the one moving initially and the case (b) when the small-mass object is the one moving initially.

Explanation / Answer

a) Using momentum conservation

Initial momentum = Final Momentum

m1u1 + m2u2 = (m1 + m2)v

8.9 kg moing and 3.6 kg at rest.

8.9 x 26 + 3.6 x 0 = (8.9 +3.6)v

v = 18.51 m/s

b) When 3.6 kg is moving and 8.9 kg is at rest .

3.6 x 26 + 8.9 x 0 = (3.6 + 8.9)v

v = 7.49 m/s

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