Answer:
va = 4.79 m/s
vb = 1.29 m/s
Explanation:
Momentum is conserved:
m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂
(3.00) (0) + (6.50) (3.50) = (3.00) v₁ + (6.50) v₂
22.75 = 3v₁ + 6.5v₂
For an elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved.
½ m₁u₁² + ½ m₂u₂² = ½ m₁v₁² + ½ m₂v₂²
m₁u₁² + m₂u₂² = m₁v₁² + m₂v₂²
(3.00) (0)² + (6.50) (3.50)² = (3.00) v₁² + (6.50) v₂²
79.625 = 3v₁² + 6.5v₂²
Two equations, two variables. Solve with substitution:
22.75 = 3v₁ + 6.5v₂
22.75 − 3v₁ = 6.5v₂
v₂ = (22.75 − 3v₁) / 6.5
79.625 = 3v₁² + 6.5v₂²
79.625 = 3v₁² + 6.5 ((22.75 − 3v₁) / 6.5)²
79.625 = 3v₁² + (22.75 − 3v₁)² / 6.5
517.5625 = 19.5v₁² + (22.75 − 3v₁)²
517.5625 = 19.5v₁² + 517.5625 − 136.5v₁ + 9v₁²
0 = 28.5v₁² − 136.5v₁
0 = v₁ (28.5v₁ − 136.5)
v₁ = 0 or 4.79
We know v₁ isn't 0, so v₁ = 4.79 m/s.
Solving for v₂:
v₂ = (22.75 − 3v₁) / 6.5
v₂ = 1.29 m/s
