Answer to Question #155469 in Classical Mechanics for Mihaela

Question

Two bodies are colliding with each other. Assuming that the bodies have initial velocities on the same axis, what are the final velocities of the bodies if the collision is totally inelastic? What are the velocities if the collision is totally elastic?

There are multiple cases but i dont know them depenind on the sense or mass

Answer 1

If the collision is totally inelastic the final velocities of the bodies will be zero.

If the collision is totally elastic the final velocities of the bodies will be the same in magnitude but opposite in direction as initial velocities.