Consider the problem of the collision of equal masses one in

Consider the problem of the collision of equal masses, one initially at rest. Denote the masses as m_1 and m_2 (so m_1 = m_2). Let the initial velocity ofm_1 be v_1 = |v_1|x (i.e., mass 1 is moving in the positive x direction with speed |v_1|. The second mass is initially at rest so its initial velocity is v_2 = 0. Assume that after the collision the first particle is brought to rest. Determine the velocity of the second particle after the collision?

Solution

from conservation of momentum

total momentum before collision = total momentum after collision

m₁v_1before + m₂v_2before = m₁v_1after + m₂v_2after

mv₁ = mv_2after

v_2after = v_{1 ...............ans}