Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 9-36

Motion in a Noninertial Reference Frame — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · elastic-collisions

Problem

In an elastic collision of two particles with masses

m_1

and

m_2

, the initial velocities are

\mathbf{u}_1

and

\mathbf{u}_2 = \alpha\mathbf{u}_1

. If the initial kinetic energies of the two particles are equal, find the conditions on

u_1/u_2

and

m_1/m_2

such that

m_1

is at rest after the collision. Examine both cases for the sign of

\alpha