Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 36 - Relativity - Exercises and Problems - Page 1099: 43

Answer

See the detailed answer below.

Work Step by Step

The speeds of the two balls are too small relative to the speed of light so we can use the Galaian transformation formulas for speeds. Now we need to identify the frames. Let $\rm S$ be the frame of the ground, and $\rm S'$ is the frame of the 100 g ball (ball 2). And ball 1 here is the 50 g ball. We know that ball 1 speed is 4 m/s to the right relative to $\rm S$ while the speed of ball 2 is 2 m/s relative to the same frame. So, we can say that the speed of ball 1 relative to frame $\rm S'$ is 2 m/s while the speed of ball 2 is 0 m/s since the frame itself is stationary. Now the collision occurs on frame $\rm S'$ where $v'_{i2}=0$ m/s, and $v'_{i1}=2$ m/s. The collision is perfectly elastic, so the momentum and the energy are conserved. $$p_i=p_f$$ $$v'_{i1}m_1+v'_{i2}m_2=v'_{f1}m_1+v'_{f2}m_2$$ Plug the known $$2(50)+0 =50v'_{f1} +100v'_{f2} $$ $$2= v'_{f1} +2v'_{f2} \tag 1$$ $$E_i=E_f$$ $$\frac{1}{2}m_1(v'_{i1})^2+\frac{1}{2}m_2(v'_{i2})^2=\frac{1}{2}m_1(v'_{f1})^2+\frac{1}{2}m_2(v'_{f2})^2$$ Plug the known; $\frac{1}{2}$ cancels, $$(50) (2)^2+0= 50 (v'_{f1})^2+100(v'_{f2})^2$$ $$200= 50 (v'_{f1})^2+100(v'_{f2})^2$$ $$4= (v'_{f1})^2+2(v'_{f2})^2\tag 2$$ Solving (1) for $v'_{f1}$, and plug into (2) $$4= (2-2v'_{f2})^2+2(v'_{f2})^2 $$ $$4= 4-8v'_{f2}+4(v'_{f2})^2+2(v'_{f2})^2 $$ Rearranging; $$ 6(v'_{f2})^2 -8v'_{f2}=0 $$ $$ v'_{f2}[ 6 v'_{f2} -8]=0 $$ whether $ v'_{f2}=0$, which is not realistic here, or $$ v'_{f2} =\bf \frac{4}{3}\;\rm m/s$$ and hence, plug into (1), $$ v'_{f1} =\bf \frac{-2}{3}\;\rm m/s$$ Now let's go back to frame $\rm S$, by using the Galilean transformations of velocity again. $$v_{f1}=v_{f1}'+2=\frac{-2}{3}+2 $$ $$v_{f1}=\color{red}{\bf +1.33}\;\rm m/s $$ and $$v_{f2}=v_{f2}'+2=\frac{4}{3}+2 $$ $$v_{f2}=\color{red}{\bf +3.33}\;\rm m/s $$ Therefore, both balls will continue moving to the right.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.