Question

Using the equation for the final velocity in terms of masses and initial velocity of the gliders for a perfectly inelastic collision, work out the final kinetic energy, assuming one of the glider is at rest initially. Compare this to the initial kinetic energy and show that kinetic energy is not conserved in the collision. Do this only with variables; none of your data should be included

Answer 1

Answer:

Comparison has been made.

Explanation:

Consider perfectly inelastic collision.Two masses of m1 and m2 with initial velocities u1 and u2 before colliding, stick together after collision and move with common speed v. then according to the rule of momentum preservation

m1u1+m2u2=  (m1+m2)v

$v= \frac{m1u1+m2u2}{m1+m2}$

If u1 and u2 are known the final common velocity can be determined

Initial kinetic energy is

$\frac{1}{2}m1u1^{2}+\frac{1}{2}m2u2^{2}$

The collion here is perfectly inelastic this means kinectic energy is not conserved. Therefore, initial kinectic energy is not equal to final kinectic.  

$\frac{1}{2}m1v^{2}+\frac{1}{2}m2v^{2}$