FYKOS Year 30 Series 5 Problem 3 — accurate central collisions · FYKOS 30 #30.5.3
Physics · mechanics · electromagnetism
Problem
Consider 3 equal non-rotating discs moving in a straight line in the order 1, 2, 3 without friction or any other resistance forces on a horizontal surface. Discs 1 and 2 are moving to the right and disc 3 is moving against them to the left. We know that the velocity of disc 1 is larger than that of disc 2. How do the final velocities (after all collisions) depend on the order in which the collisions take place? What are these velocities? (Do not forget that all answers must be properly justified). Bonus: Discs have different masses.