Question

Useful Formulae

potential energy:         U_spr = ½ k (Dx)²

Conservation of Momentum:

p = mv; m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = constant;       p(initial) = p(final);

For perfectly elastic collisions ONLY:          

(v_1i – v_2i) = - (v_1f - v_2f)

k₁ = (m₁ – m₂) / m₁ + m₂;       k₂ = 2m₂;

v_1f = k₁v_1i + k₂v_2i;       v_2f = k₂v_1i + k₁v_2i;

Rocket Equation

Thrust = |dm/dt|*v_exh;             v_final = v_initial + v_exh*ln (M_initial / M_final);

[dm/dt] = kg/sec;

3. Perfectly Elastic Collision. Two masses move along the x-axis. A sphere of 100 grams moves to the right with a speed of 5.0 m/sec. It collides perfectly with a second sphere of mass 50 grams, moving to the left with a speed of 10.0 m/sec. Using the provided formulae, calculate the resulting velocities after the collision.

Answer 1