Collision of Two Blocks

When a block of mass 1.2 kg undergoes a direct collision with another identical block at rest, several factors come into play to determine the outcome of the collision. Let's analyze the details step by step.

Conservation of Momentum
During a collision, momentum is conserved. Momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. Therefore, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.

Initial Conditions
Given:
- Mass of each block = 1.2 kg
- One block is moving with a certain velocity.
- The other block is at rest.

Momentum Calculation
1. Calculate the momentum of the moving block using the formula:
Momentum = mass x velocity
Let's assume the velocity of the moving block is 2 m/s.
Momentum of the moving block = 1.2 kg x 2 m/s = 2.4 kg.m/s

2. Since the other block is at rest, its momentum is zero.

3. The total momentum before the collision is the sum of the individual momenta:
Total initial momentum = Momentum of moving block + Momentum of stationary block
Total initial momentum = 2.4 kg.m/s + 0 kg.m/s = 2.4 kg.m/s

Collision Process
During the collision, the two blocks interact with each other. The momentum is transferred between the blocks due to the impact forces involved.

Final Conditions
After the collision, both blocks will move with different velocities. Let's assume the final velocities of the two blocks are v1 and v2, respectively.

Momentum Conservation Equation
Using the principle of conservation of momentum, the total momentum after the collision is equal to the total initial momentum.

Total final momentum = Total initial momentum

Momentum of Block 1 (moving block) + Momentum of Block 2 (initially stationary) = Total initial momentum

Mass of Block 1 x Velocity of Block 1 + Mass of Block 2 x Velocity of Block 2 = Total initial momentum

1.2 kg x v1 + 1.2 kg x v2 = 2.4 kg.m/s

Solving the Equation
To determine the final velocities, we need additional information. The velocities can be calculated if the coefficient of restitution or any other relevant data is provided.

Conclusion
In summary, during a direct collision between two identical blocks, the total momentum before and after the collision remains the same. The final velocities of the blocks depend on the specific conditions of the collision, such as the coefficient of restitution or any external forces acting on the system. To compute the final velocities, further information is required.

Half question