Answer:
, (before collision), (after collision).
Explanation:
The total momentum is obtained using the Principle of Momentum Conservation:
It is trivial to find that final speed and total momentum of the system are zero:
The total kinetic energy of the system becomes zero due to the inellastic collision and the same masses and speeds. Total kinetic energies before and after collision are, respectively:
Answer:
(b) To get m3 to slide, m1 must be increased, never decreased.
Explanation:
Lab experiments require attentiveness. If there is one thing missed or not taken seriously whole experiment could go wrong. In this case to slide m3 there should be more weight at m1. If the weight of m1 is lesser than m3 then the object will not slide. It will remain at the point where there is more weight. To slide an object there must be less frictional surface and more weight placed at the desired end point.
Typical examples of inelastic collision are between cars, airlines, trains, etc.
For instance, when two trains collide, the kinetic energy of each train is transformed into heat, which explains why, most of the times, there is a fire after a collision. However, the momentum of the two trains that are involved in the collision remains unaffected. So, the trains collide with all their speed, maintaining their momentum, yet their kinetic energy is transformed into heat energy.
Another way to explain a train or a car collision is this: when the two trains or cars collide, they stick together while slowing down. They slow down because their kinetic energy is gradually lost. Still, they collide because they conserve their momentum.