Question

An 1 kg object moving to the right at 2 m/s collides inelastically with a 1 kg object moving to the left at 2 m/s. the final velocity of both objects will be

Answer 1

Answer:

-2

Explanation:

As both objects move in opposite direction they collide and move back or change direction

Answer 2

Answer:

The final velocity of both objects will be 0m/s i.e.they will come to rest.

Explanation:

In the inelastic collision, the colliding bodies stick together after the collision or we can say that the bodies cling together. So, after the collision, they will move with the same velocity.

By applying the conservation of momentum principle we get,

$m_1u_1+m_2u_2=(m_1+m_2)v$     (1)

Where,

m₁=mass of the first body

m₂=mass of the second body

u₁=initial velocity of the first body

u₂=final velocity of the second body

v=final velocity of the bodies moving together,

From the question we have,

m₁=1kg

u₁=2m/s

m₂=1kg

u₂=2m/s

By placing the required values in equation (1) we get;

$1\times 2-1\times 2=(1+1)v$    (∵both are moving in opposite directions)

$v=\frac{0}{2} =0m/s$

Hence, the final velocity of both objects will be 0m/s i.e.they will come to rest.