Two particles A and B of mass 2kg and 3kg respectively are moving head on. A is moving at 5m/s and B is moving at 4m/s. After the collision, A rebounds at 4m/s. What is the speed of B and what direction is it moving in?

Using conservation of momentum, m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2, set m1 = 2kg, m2 = 3kg, u1 = 5m/s, u2 = -4m/s and v1 = -4m/s. Substitute these into the equation to get 25 + 3(-4) = 2*(-4) + 3*v2 10 - 12 = -8 +3v2 6 = 3v2 v2 = 2m/s and is moving in the positive direction, away from A.

AS
Answered by Amber S. Maths tutor

5103 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I express y=acosx+bsinx in the form y=Rcos(x-c)?


Given that y = 16x + 1/x , find the two values of x for which dy/dx = 0


Find the gradient of y=x^2-6x-16 at the point where the curve crosses the x-axis


Describe the 3 types of solution to a quadratic equation


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning