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

Linear momentum and its conservation — practice question

The diagram illustrates two identical spheres $X$ and $Y$. At the start, $X$ is travelling directly towards $Y$ with speed $v$, while $Y$ is at rest. The spheres undergo an elastic collision. What happens?

  • A$X$ moves with speed $\frac{1}{2}v$ to the right; $Y$ moves with speed $\frac{1}{2}v$ to the right
  • B$X$ moves with speed $v$ to the left; $Y$ remains stationary
  • C$X$ moves with speed $\frac{1}{2}v$ to the left; $Y$ moves with speed $\frac{1}{2}v$ to the right
  • D$X$ stops; $Y$ moves with speed $v$ to the right

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