Solution Found!
(a) Can two objects on a horizontal frictionless surface
Chapter 9, Problem 11CQ(choose chapter or problem)
Problem 11CQ
(a) Can two objects on a horizontal frictionless surface have a collision in which all the initial kinetic energy of the system is lost? Explain, and give a specific example if your answer is yes. (b) Can two such objects have a collision in which all the initial momentum of the system is lost? Explain, and give a specific example if your answer is yes.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Problem 11CQ
(a) Can two objects on a horizontal frictionless surface have a collision in which all the initial kinetic energy of the system is lost? Explain, and give a specific example if your answer is yes. (b) Can two such objects have a collision in which all the initial momentum of the system is lost? Explain, and give a specific example if your answer is yes.
ANSWER:
a.)
Step 1 of 2
We have to explain that the if two objects on a horizontal frictionless surface have a collision in all the initial kinetic energy of the system is lost.
Suppose two objects have momenta of equal magnitude. If these objects collide in a head-on, completely inelastic collision, they will be at rest after the collision. In this case all of the initial kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy.An example would be head on collision between the cars on a highway.
Therefore, all the initial kinetic energy of the system can be lost in a collision on a horizontal frictionless surface.
b.)