Final answer:
In an inelastic collision, the total momentum of the system is conserved. Using the Equation m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1 + m2)v', we can solve for the initial velocity of object 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an inelastic collision, the total momentum of the system is conserved. Using the equation:
m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1 + m2)v'
where m1 and m2 are the masses of the objects, v1 and v2 are their respective initial velocities, and v' is the final velocity after the collision, we can solve for the initial velocity of object 2.
Substituting the given values:
(100g * 1.5m/s) + (180g * v2) = (280g * 0.28m/s)
Rearranging and solving this equation, we find that the initial velocity of object 2 is approximately -0.785 m/s, in the opposite direction of object 1.