Question

two objects of masses m and 3m undergo acollision in one dimension. the lighter object ismoving at three times the speed of the heavierobject. describe what happens to their speeds afterthe collision. explain your reasoning. assume thatthe lighter mass is moving to the right.

Answer 1

The outcome of a collision in Physics depends on the nature of the collision, with different principles applying depending on whether the collision is elastic or inelastic.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of the question is Physics, specifically focusing on the topic of collisions and momentum. In a one-dimensional collision between two objects with masses m and 3m, where the lighter object is moving at three times the speed of the heavier object, various outcomes are possible depending on whether the collision is elastic or inelastic.

However, to provide a specific answer, more information is needed, such as whether the collision is elastic or inelastic. If the collision were elastic, the principle of conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy would both apply, and we could use these principles to solve for the final velocities of the two objects. In an inelastic collision, only the conservation of momentum applies since kinetic energy is not conserved, and the objects might even stick together post-collision.