Question

1. If two objects collide and one is initially at rest, is it possible for both to be at rest after the collision? Is it possible for one to be at rest after the collision? Explain.​

Answer 1

Answer:

(a)If two objects collide and one is initially at rest, is it possible for both to be at rest after the collision?

No. Because if you have initial momentum P⃗ ≠0 , if both of the objects were at rest after the collision the total momentum of the system would be P⃗ =0 , which violates conservation of momentum

(b)Is it possible for only one to be at rest after the collision?

Yes, that is perfectly possible. It characteristically, happens when both objects are of the same mass. When two objects of the same mass collide and Kinetic energy is conserved (Perfectly Elastic collision) then the two objects interchange velocities.