Question

If the mass of each ball were the same, but the velocity of ball A were twice as much as ball B, what do you think would happen to the final velocity of each ball after the collision? To answer this question, create a hypothesis in the form of an if-then statement. The "if" is the independent variable, or the thing that is being changed. The "then" is the dependent variable, or what you will measure as the outcome.

Answer 1

Since no angles are given we will assume this is a 1 dimensional problem.

An elastic collision conserves both momentum and kinetic energy.

So 2 equations can be written equating "Before" and "After" for p and KE

Intuitively, ball A, being heavier than ball B, will continue in its direction

and not bounce back, so its velocity will be positive

10(3) - 5(3) = 10(2) + 5(vf)

vf = - 1 m/s

If the problem had not given ball A final velocity, then

the 2nd equation for KE would be need