Two trolleys

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Linear Momentum · Linear Momentum

Problem

Two trolleys,

A

and

B

, of masses

2\,\text{kg}

and

3\,\text{kg}

respectively, move along the same straight, frictionless track. Trolley

A

approaches trolley

B

from behind. Just before impact their speeds are

4\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}

for

A

and

1\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}

for

B

, both measured in the same direction. The coefficient of restitution for the collision is

0.5

. (i) Calculate the speed of each trolley immediately after the collision. (ii) Determine the loss of kinetic energy of the system due to the collision.

Related theory

Collisions
Collisions in one dimension
Work, Energy and Power
Linear momentum
Elastic and inelastic collisions

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