Question

3.00 kg block moving 2.09 m/s right hits a 2.22 kg block moving 3.92 m/s left. afterwards, the 3.00 kg block moves 1.71 m/s left. find the velocity of the 2.22 kg block afterwards

Answer 1

Answer:

1.215 m/s to the right

Explanation:

The overall momentum of the system is conserved before and after collision.

Before the collision:

Momentum = 3.00*2.09 - 2.22*3.92 = -2.4324 (keep in mind that the motions are opposite in directions so they are supposed to have opposite signs. I chose leftward motion as negative and rightward motion as positive)

After the collision:

Momentum = -3.00*1.71 + 2.22*x;

Since momentum is conserved:

-3.00*1.71 +2.22x = -2.4324

Solve for x to find the velocity of the 2nd block.