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

Linear momentum and its conservation — practice question

Two solid spheres make up an isolated system. Sphere X is travelling at a speed of $6\,\text{cm s}^{-1}$ along a straight path directly towards sphere Y, which is stationary, as illustrated. The spheres undergo a perfectly elastic collision. Once the collision is over, sphere X continues in the same direction as before the collision but now with a speed of $2\,\text{cm s}^{-1}$. What is the speed of sphere Y?

  • A$2\,\text{cm s}^{-1}$
  • B$4\,\text{cm s}^{-1}$
  • C$6\,\text{cm s}^{-1}$
  • D$8\,\text{cm s}^{-1}$

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