Q5.10 A reprise on problem solving (K)
A particle of mass 2kg sits at the bottom of a smooth upwardly curving surface. A second particle, of mass 1kg, is released from rest on an elevated part of the surface. It slides down to the bottom of the surface, where it makes a head-on elastic collision with the 2 kg mass. The vertical distance through which the 1 kg mass moves as it slides down the surface is 0.2 m. Find the velocity of the smaller mass after the collision.
[ Take g=10 ms-2.]
[Comment: With a bit of luck you will recognise this question. It is the one chosen to illustrate problem-solving techniques in S0.5. Now that you have met the relevant physics, we want you to work through it fully, yourselves, putting all the problem-solving guidelines into practice.
Hint
Reveal