Impulse and Momentum

[jared944]

Ok, so this problem is kind of complicated, so ask me if you need clarification. This problem deals with Impulse and Momentum.

There are two balls hanging vertically from a horizontal plane. Ball A is pulled back and is set up to strike ball B.

Given for ball A:
mass = 1.5 kg.
Height = .3 m (measured from a horizontal plane from Ball B)
initial speed = 5.00 m/s (as it leaves your hand)
Given for Ball B:
mass = 4.60 kg
speed = 0 m/s (implied)
)

Question a) is
Using the principle of conservation of mechanical energy, find the speed of Ball A just before impact.
Question b) is
Assuming an elastic collision, find the velocities (magnitude and direction) of both balls just after the collision.

Thanks!!

[OfficeShredder]

Using the principle of conservation of mechanical energy, find the speed of Ball A just before impact.

Did you even try this? It's about the most straightforward question in the world

[HallsofIvy]

For (a): How has the potential energy changed? What does that do to the kinetic energy?

For (b): After you have solved (a) you will know both the initial energy and initial momentum of the system. Both of those remain unchanged in an elastic collision.