F=ma 2025 Problem 02

Physics · mechanics

Problem

As shown in the figure, three identical disks are placed on a frictionless table. Initially, two of the disks are at rest and in contact with each other. The third disk is launched with speed vv directly toward the midpoint of the two stationary disks along a path perpendicular to the line connecting their centers, as shown in the diagram. Analyze the motion of the disks after the collision, assuming all interactions are perfectly elastic and that when the disks collide, there is no friction or inelastic energy loss. --- Question: Assume that all three disks collide simultaneously. What is the final velocity of the third disk? (A) v/3v/3 in the opposite direction to the initial velocity. (B) v/3v/3 in the same direction as the initial velocity. (C) 0→\overrightarrow{0}. (D) v/5v/5 in the opposite direction to the initial velocity. (E) v/5v/5 in the same direction as the initial velocity. *Note: This problem references figure(s): `image_question/F=MA_2025_02_1.png`*

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