A moving object collides with an object at rest. The two objects do not interact with any other objects. Ignore any effects due to friction. Is it possible for both objects to be at rest after the collision?

Question

Kyra Booth

Physics

2 June, 22:12

A moving object collides with an object at rest. The two objects do not interact with any other objects. Ignore any effects due to friction. Is it possible for both objects to be at rest after the collision?

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Answers (1)

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Vinnie · Answer 1

Not possible

Explanation:

Since the two objects do not interact with any other objects, the momentum must be conserved before and after the collision.

So before the collision, 1 object is at rest, 1 is not - > total momentum is non-zero

After the collision, both objects are at rest - > total momentum is zero which is different from before.

Therefore this is not possible.