Consider two blocks that are traveling towards each other on

Consider two blocks that are traveling towards each other, on a frictionless surface. block 1 has a mass of 10 kg and is traveling at 5 m/sec in the positive x direction While block 2 has a mass of 15kg and is traveling at 15 m/sec in the negative x direction. If the collision is inelastic, what is the final speed of each block?

Solution

Masses m = 10 kg

           M = 15 kg

Initial velocities u = 5 m/s

                      U = -15 m/s

The final velocity of blocks v = ?

From law of conservation of momentum ,

mu + MU = (m+ M) v

From this v = (mu + MU ) /(m+ M)

                  = [(10 x5) +(15x-15 )] /(10 +15)

                 = [50 -225]/25

                 = -175 /25

                 = -7 m/s

Final speed of blocks v = 7 m/s    in negative x direction.