Puck 1 (1 kg) travels with velocity 20 m/s to the right when it collides with puck 2 (1 kg) which is initially at rest. After the collision, puck 1 moves with a velocity of 5 m/s. Assume that no external forces are present and therefore the momentum for the system of pucks is conserved. What is the final velocity (in m/s) of puck 2 after the collision

Explanation:

Parameters given:

Mass of Puck 1, m = 1 kg

Mass of Puck 2, M = 1 kg

Initial velocity of Puck 1, u = 20 m/s

Initial velocity of Puck 2, U = 0 m/s

Final velocity of Puck 1, v = 5 m/s

Since we are told that momentum is conserved, we apply the principle of conservation of momentum:

Total initial momentum of the system = Total final momentum of the system

mu + MU = mv + MV

(1 * 20) + (1 * 0) = (1 * 5) + (1 * V)

20 = 5 + V

V = 20 - 5 = 15 m/s

Puck 2 moves with a velocity of 15 m/s

at right angles to each other