Assume m 1 = m 2 /14. (a)When a lighter object hits a heavier one initially at r

Question

Assume m1= m2/14.

(a)When a lighter object hits a heavier one initially at rest, the lighter object is reflected in the opposite direction. This large change in velocity (from positive to negative) comes from the momentum the heavier object imparts on the lighter object.Explain why the final velocity of the smaller object is opposite its initial direction.

(b)When a lighter object hits a heavier one initially at rest, the lighter object is reflected in the opposite direction. This larger change in velocity (from positive to negative) is needed to give the heavier object even a small velocity in the positive direction.    

(c)When a lighter object hits a heavier one initially at rest, the lighter object is reflected in the opposite direction. This large change in velocity (from positive to negative) comes from the kinetic energy the heavier object imparts on the lighter object.

The answer is b. Explain why. Can't momentum and kinetic energy not be imparted on another object in a collision?

Explanation / Answer

In a collision,both momentum and kinetic energy is conserved before and after the collisions

So if we apply both law of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy

we get speed of lighter body is (m1-m2)*u1/(m1+m2)

Since here m1 < m2

then we get V1 is negative which means that after collision the lighter body moves in opposite direction to the original direction

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