Final answer:
The predicted speed of block Z after an elastic collision may not match the actual speed due to real-world aspects such as energy losses, inaccuracies in the elasticity assumption, and unaccounted forces like friction or air resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The predicted speed of block Z after an elastic collision may not agree with the actual speed due to a variety of real-world factors. These factors include energy losses through sound, heat, or deformation during the collision, inaccuracies in the assumption of a perfectly elastic collision, and the presence of friction or air resistance that is not accounted for in the theoretical model. In a theoretical perfect elastic collision between two objects of identical mass where one is at rest, the moving object would come to a complete stop after the collision while the stationary object would take on the velocity of the moving object. However, in practice, the presence of external forces and energy losses may cause the actual velocities post-collision to deviate from the predicted ones.