(Long-answer question) Two bodies of masses and move along the same straight line…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Work, Energy and Power · Work, Energy and Power
Problem
(Long-answer question)
Two bodies of masses m1 and m2 move along the same straight line with speeds u1 and u2 (u1>u2) and collide such that they stick together after impact.
(i) Derive an expression for the loss of kinetic energy ΔK in terms of m1,m2,u1 and u2 when the bodies stick together after collision.
(ii) Hence obtain the fractional loss of kinetic energy when the bodies have masses m and 3m, the lighter body (m) moving with speed u and the heavier body initially at rest.
(iii) Explain why the collision described is categorised as perfectly inelastic and comment on the magnitude of energy loss obtained in part (ii).