Question

I'm not looking for an answer I just need a formula or explanation or something.
1. A 0.200 kg air-track glider moving at 1.20 m/s bumps into a 0.600 kg glider at rest.
a.) Find the total kinetic energy after collision if the collision is elastic.
b.) Find the total kinetic energy after collision if the collision is completely inelastic.

Answer 1

@ghuczek

Answer 2

Since the collision is elastic, kinetic energy is conserved. The total kinetic energy before the collision equals the total kinetic energy after the collision. If the collision is inelastic, momentum is conserved. I hope this helps you get started.

Answer 3

Thanks. Do you know what equation/formula I would use to find the total kinetic energy for an elastic and inelastic.

Answer 4

For an elastic collision, find the kinetic energy of each object before the collision. Add them to get the total kinetic energy. This remains the same after the collision.

Answer 5

Okay, thanks!