Question

Two blocks collide as they slide along a horizontal frictionless surface Block 1 moves rightward with speed Vo and impacts block 2 which is initially at rest and has 2.5 times the mass of block 1. After the collision, block 1 rebounds from block 2 with ¼ its original speed. A) Demonstrate that block 1 - block 2 is isolated B) What was the block 2 velocity after the collision? Assume the two block is isolated. C) Prove by calculation whether this collision was elastic or inelastic.

Answer 1

A) there is not net external force -> isolated system
B) Use Conservation of Momentum
C) You can prove elastic collision if total initial kinetic energy = total final kinetic energy