Question

Two balls traveling in opposite directions collide head on. Ball₁ is traveling in the positive x direction at a speed of v₁ = 4.50 m/s and mass of m₁ = 2.0 Kg. Ball₂ is traveling in the negative x direction at a speed of v₂ = -6.50 m/s and a mass of m₂ = 4.0 Kg.

a) If we assume that the two balls are made of clay and become one mass during the collision what is their combined final velocity? (Think conservation of momentum and be careful of your signs)

b) If we assume that they are made of steel and do not become one mass and the collision can be treated as anelastic collision what is the final velocity of Ball₁. (Be careful of your signs here too)

c) Consider Ball₁’s change in momentum during the collision and calculate the impulse that it feels as a result of the impact.

d) If the contact takes place over Δt = 0.03 seconds what is the force exerted on Ball

Answer 1