Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Linear momentum and its conservation

Linear momentum and its conservation — practice question

Two spheres move towards one another along the same straight line. Before they collide, their speeds are $u_1$ and $u_2$. Once the collision is over, the spheres move apart with speeds $v_1$ and $v_2$ in the directions shown below. The collision is perfectly elastic. Which equation must be correct?

  • A$u_1 - u_2 = v_2 + v_1$
  • B$u_1 - u_2 = v_2 - v_1$
  • C$u_1 + u_2 = v_2 + v_1$
  • D$u_1 + u_2 = v_2 - v_1$

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