Question

At position 1, mass 1 is moving in the positive x-direction and strikes a target mass at rest. Assume this is a one-dimensional elastic collision. Which of the following describes what happens to mass 1 after the collision if mass 1 is greater than the target mass?

a. Mass 1 rebounds with decreased speed.
b. Mass 1 comes to a complete stop.
c. Mass 1 rebounds with increased speed.
d. Mass 1 continues with the same velocity.

Answer 1

In a one-dimensional elastic collision where mass 1 is greater than the target mass at rest, mass 1 rebounds with decreased speed post-collision.

Step-by-step explanation:

At position 1, mass 1 is moving in the positive x-direction and strikes a target mass at rest in a one-dimensional elastic collision. If mass 1 is greater than the target mass, after the collision, mass 1 rebounds with decreased speed. So the correct answer is:

a. Mass 1 rebounds with decreased speed.

In a one-dimensional elastic collision, when a moving object with larger mass hits a smaller mass at rest, the larger mass will typically slow down as momentum is conserved. The exact final velocities will depend on the masses involved and the initial velocity of the moving object. However, the total kinetic energy of the system remains constant due to the collision being elastic.