The blocks A and B have equal masses. The surface of A is smooth but that of B has a friction coefficient of 0.1 with the floor. Block A is moving at a speed of 10 m/s towards B which is kept at rest. Find the distance travelled by B if (a) the collision is perfectly elastic and (b) the collision is perfectly inelastic. g=10 m/s2 .
a) In a lab frame of reference,
Velocity of center of mass is given by,
v'=(mvOA+ mvOB)/2m
Now, in center of mass frame of reference,
Since, there will be perfectly elastic collision. After collision, they exchange their velocity.
In lab frame of reference,
Deceleration due to the friction = µg
From kinematics we have,
VF=VB- µgt
Since the final velocity of B is zero, we get t=10s.
Distance travelled d is given by,
d = VBt - (µgt2)/2
Inserting given values, the distance travelled by block is 50m.
b) After perfectly inelastic collision, both blocks A and B travel as a combined mass.
m(VA+VB)=2mVAB
We get, initial velocity of the combined mass 5m/s.
The friction of the block B will have affect whole body.
Then we have,
VF=VAB- µgt
d = VABt - (µgt2)/2
Solving the equations, the distance travelled by the body is 12.5m.
Work-Energy Theorem can also be used to find the distance.