If two bodies of equal masses undergo elastic collisions in one dimens...
Explanation:
When two bodies of equal masses undergo elastic collisions in one dimension, the following happens:
- The bodies approach each other with equal and opposite velocities.
- At the point of collision, the bodies exert equal and opposite forces on each other.
- These forces cause the bodies to accelerate towards each other, and then away from each other.
- During the collision, the total momentum of the system is conserved.
- After the collision, the bodies will exchange velocities if they are of equal masses and the collision is perfectly elastic.
Proof:
Let us consider two bodies A and B of equal masses m1 and m2 respectively. Let us assume that A is moving towards B with velocity u1 and B is moving towards A with velocity u2. After the collision, A moves away from B with velocity v1 and B moves away from A with velocity v2.
According to the law of conservation of momentum:
m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
Since the masses of A and B are equal, we can simplify this equation to:
u1 + u2 = v1 + v2
Now, according to the law of conservation of kinetic energy:
(1/2)m1u1^2 + (1/2)m2u2^2 = (1/2)m1v1^2 + (1/2)m2v2^2
Since the masses of A and B are equal, we can simplify this equation to:
u1^2 + u2^2 = v1^2 + v2^2
Now, let us add the two equations:
u1 + u2 + u1^2 + u2^2 = v1 + v2 + v1^2 + v2^2
Since the collision is elastic, we know that the kinetic energy of the system is conserved. This means that u1^2 + u2^2 = v1^2 + v2^2. Substituting this in the above equation, we get:
u1 + u2 = v1 + v2
This means that after the collision, the bodies will exchange velocities if they are of equal masses and the collision is perfectly elastic.