Physics

Physics

Problem

A 2.0 kg2.0\,\text{kg} cart AA moving at 4.0 m s−14.0\,\text{m s}^{-1} collides with a 3.0 kg3.0\,\text{kg} cart BB that is initially at rest on a frictionless track. If the coefficient of restitution for the collision is 0.50.5, calculate the speed of each cart immediately after impact.
Intuitive explanation

This problem combines conservation of momentum with the physics of restitution—a measure of how "bouncy" a collision is. Momentum is always conserved, but the coefficient of restitution tells you how much kinetic energy is lost; use it to relate the velocities before and after impact. You'll have two equations (momentum and restitution) and two unknowns (the final speeds), so the system is solvable.

Intuitive explanation

This problem combines conservation of momentum with the physics of restitution—a measure of how "bouncy" a collision is. Momentum is always conserved, but the coefficient of restitution tells you how much kinetic energy is lost; use it to relate the velocities before and after impact. You'll have two equations (momentum and restitution) and two unknowns (the final speeds), so the system is solvable.

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