Question

Figure (9-E11) shows a small block of mass m which is started with a speed v on the horizontal part of the bigger block of mass M placed on a horizontal floor. The curved part of the surface shown is semicircular. All the surfaces are frictionless. Find the speed of the bigger block when the smaller block reaches the point A of the surface.

Answer 1

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ANSWER::

As the small body of mass m is started with a velocity V in the horizontal direction.

So , the total initial momentum at initial position in horizontal direction will continue to remain same as the total momentum at point A on bigger block is in horizontal direction.

So,

mv + M x 0 = (m + M)V

V = mv / (M+m)

Hope it helps!

Answer 2

As the small body of mass m is started with a velocity V in the horizontal direction.

So , the total initial momentum at initial position in horizontal direction will continue to remain same as the total momentum at point A on bigger block is in horizontal direction.

So,

mv + M x 0 = (m + M)V

V = mv / (M+m)