Question

You hit a 1.25 kg billiard ball so that it eventually travels at a constant velocity of 0.44 m/s. if the billiard ball hits a stationary 1.55 Kg billiard ball inelastically (they stick together )what will be the final velocity of the balls? A) 0.355 m/s B) 0.196 m/s C) 0.55 m/sD) 0.44 m/s

Answer 1

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First, we need to keep in mind that for inelastic collisions we cannot apply the Law of Conservation of Energy, as some of the energy will dissipate. However, we can apply the Law of Conservation of Momentum. This tells us that:

`\vec{p}_(final)=\vec{p}_(initial)`

So, we'll start by writing the initial momentum of the system. This is:

`\vec{p}_(initial)=mv=1.25*0.44=0.55(kg*m)/(s)`

This will have to be the same by the end. However, as we know, the mass will be 1.55+1.25=2.8kg. Then, we can write our equation as:

`2.8*v=0.55\Rightarrow v=(0.55)/(2.8)=0.196(m)/(s)`

Then, our answer is b) 0.196 m/s