max veloicty after collision

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

FistLength

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2012
Messages
354
Reaction score
616
The question involves a bob swung from height h and allowed to collide with bob m2 which is at rest.

EK physics 407
As the mass of m1 becomes much greater than m2, what is the maximum velocity that can be reached by m2? (assume completely elastic collision)

A: 0 m/s
B: v
C: 2v
D: The maximum velocity is infinite



Answer is C, 2v

Can someone please explain how?
 

That was a good question. I had been thinking about it. The eqns are a bit tedious to go through but it does work out. I doubt EK would have taken the pains to go through all of that to explain.....
 
They didn't really show the derivation of equations 9.21 and 9.22... the just kinda throw them out there

V1(i) + V1(f) = V2(i) + V2(f) (shown in the derivation)
V1(f) = V2(i) + V2(f) - V1(i). Now apply this to 9:16 eqn and solve for V2(f). Likewise V2(f) = V1(i) + V1(f) - V2(i) and apply that to eqn 9:16. Solve for V1(f). You will get those 9:21 and 9:22 eqns.
 
Top