mi The above figures each show two point masses, m, and m2, just after a collisi

Question

mi The above figures each show two point masses, m, and m2, just after a collision. The vectors indicate the momentum of the particles. The small dot is the location of the collision. Consider the collisions unrelated. The masses and velocities of the particles in collisions A, B, and C may all be different from each other Which of these collisions could be shown in the centre of mass reference frame? Which of these could be an elastic collision between particles of equal mass? A. Only A B. Only B C. Only C D. All of A, B, and C E. Not any of A, B, or C F. A and B G. A and C H. B and C

Explanation / Answer

A)

Let us consider the masses of particles are different from collision to collision.

Here there is no restriction about the masses.

So if the mass-1 is less than mass-2, then collision B and C can be the possible answer

If masses are equal, then the collision A can be the possible answer.

Therefore, all the three collisions A,B and C can be shown in the center of mass reference frame.

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B)

Since the collision is elastic and the masses are same, the velocities of the bodies after collision gets interchanged.

But from the given data, there is no restriction on the velocities also.

Hence all the three collisions A, B and C is the answer.

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