Final answer:
In an inelastic collision, the kinetic energy of the system is partially transformed into other forms of energy such as heat or sound. The energy gained by the stationary ball can be calculated using the formula: Energy gained = Heat generated during collision = (1/2) * m * (vi^2 - vf^2).
Step-by-step explanation:
In an inelastic collision between two objects, the total kinetic energy of the system is not conserved. Instead, the kinetic energy is partially transformed into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. In this case, if a billiard ball with mass m is traveling at velocity vi and strikes another ball originally at rest, slowing down to velocity vf, we can calculate the energy gained by the stationary ball.
The energy gained by the stationary ball can be calculated using the formula:
Energy gained = Heat generated during collision = (1/2) * m * (vi^2 - vf^2)
Where m is the mass of the stationary ball, vi is the initial velocity of the moving ball, and vf is the final velocity of the moving ball after the collision.