Two blocks can collide in a one-dimensional collision. The block on the left has

Question

Two blocks can collide in a one-dimensional collision. The block on the left has a mass of .40 kg and is initially moving to the right at 2.4 m/s toward a second block of mass .80 kg that is initially at rest. When the blocks collide, a cocked spring releases 1.2 J of energy into the system. (For velocities, use + to mean to the right, - to mean to the left.) What is the velocity of the first block after the collision? m/s What is the velocity of the second block after the collision? m/s Remember that the blocks cannot pass through each other!

Explanation / Answer

let

m1 = 0.4 kg
u1 = 2.4 m/s

m2 = 0.8 kg
u2 = 0

let v1 and v2 are the velocities of m1 and m2 after the collision.

a) v1 = (m1 - m2)*u1/(m1+m2)

= (0.4 - 0.8)*2.4/(0.4 + 0.8)

= -0.80 m/s

b) v2 = 2*m1*u1/(m1+m2)

= 2*0.4*2.4/(0.4 + 0.8)

= 1.6 m/s

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