Question

You were able to find the final velocities of the two balls in the 1D collision case using the equations (1) and (2).

Discuss whether you think it is possible or not to do the same for the 2D collision case. (Hint: Remember from Algebra, that to solve for n unknowns, you need in different equations, where every unknown is used in at least one of them Also, the kinetic energy equation holds 0)

Answer 1

In a 2D collision case, it is possible to find the final velocities of the two balls, but it requires more equations compared to the 1D collision case.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a 2D collision case, it is possible to find the final velocities of the two balls, but it requires more equations compared to the 1D collision case.

To solve for n unknowns, you need n independent equations. In a 2D collision case, you have two unknowns (the final velocities v'₁ and v'₂) and you can use the conservation of momentum equations in both the x and y directions to find the values of these unknowns.