Physics

Problem

Two identical

0.50\,\text{kg}

carts collide head-on on a horizontal track in three separate trials. The measured velocities just before (

v_i

) and just after (

v_f

) each collision are shown. Trial 1: Cart A

v_i=+1.2\,\text{m\!/s}

, Cart B

v_i=-1.2\,\text{m\!/s}

; Cart A

v_f=-1.1\,\text{m\!/s}

, Cart B

v_f=+1.1\,\text{m\!/s}

Trial 2: Cart A

v_i=+1.5\,\text{m\!/s}

, Cart B

v_i=-0.5\,\text{m\!/s}

; Cart A

v_f=+0.5\,\text{m\!/s}

, Cart B

v_f=-1.5\,\text{m\!/s}

Trial 3: Cart A

v_i=+1.0\,\text{m\!/s}

, Cart B

v_i=-1.0\,\text{m\!/s}

; Cart A

v_f=0

, Cart B

v_f=0

Based on these data, which trial is most consistent with a perfectly elastic collision? a) None of the trials b) Trial 2 only c) Trial 1 only d) Trials 1 and 2

Browse the problem library