FP2

Two particles of masses m₁ = m and m₂ = am collide after traveling in the x-y plane with initial velocities

v₁ =  v   and    v₂ =  bv (cos  +  sin )

where a and b are positive constants. Gravity is not present in this problem.

 

(2 points)  (a)  What is the total energy and linear momentum of the two-mass system prior to the collision?

(3 points)  (b)  If the collision is totally inelastic (ie., the masses stick together), how much kinetic energy
                                is lost in the collision?