Answer:
Part a)
v = 16.52 m/s
Part b)
v = 7.47 m/s
Explanation:
Part a)
(a) when the large-mass object is the one moving initially
So here we can use momentum conservation as the net force on the system of two masses will be zero
so here we can say
[tex]m_1v_{1i} + m_2v_{2i} = (m_1 + m_2)v[/tex]
since this is a perfect inelastic collision so after collision both balls will move together with same speed
so here we can say
[tex]v = \frac{(m_1v_{1i} + m_2v_{2i})}{(m_1 + m_2)}[/tex]
[tex]v = \frac{(8.4\times 24 + 3.8\times 0)}{3.8 + 8.4}[/tex]
[tex]v = 16.52 m/s[/tex]
Part b)
(b) when the small-mass object is the one moving initially
here also we can use momentum conservation as the net force on the system of two masses will be zero
so here we can say
[tex]m_1v_{1i} + m_2v_{2i} = (m_1 + m_2)v[/tex]
Again this is a perfect inelastic collision so after collision both balls will move together with same speed
so here we can say
[tex]v = \frac{(m_1v_{1i} + m_2v_{2i})}{(m_1 + m_2)}[/tex]
[tex]v = \frac{(8.4\times 0 + 3.8\times 24)}{3.8 + 8.4}[/tex]
[tex]v = 7.47 m/s[/tex]