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AP Physics C: Mechanics
4.4 Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
4.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum
IntermediateMCQMathematicalProportional Analysis21.4k
Initial setups for Scenario 1 and Scenario 2 on a frictionless track.
Initial setups for Scenario 1 and Scenario 2 on a frictionless track.
Glider 1 of mass \(m\) moves to the right with speed \(v_0\) along a horizontal frictionless track toward Glider 2 of mass \(2m\).

In Scenario 1, Glider 2 is initially at rest, and Glider 1 collides with and sticks to Glider 2, dissipating an amount of mechanical energy \(\Delta E_1\).

In Scenario 2, Glider 2 is initially moving to the left with speed \(v_0\), and the two gliders collide head-on and stick together, dissipating an amount of mechanical energy \(\Delta E_2\).

What is the ratio \(\dfrac{\Delta E_2}{\Delta E_1}\)?

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