All questions
AP Physics 1
4.4 Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
4.2 Change in Momentum and Impulse
3.4 Conservation of Energy
Multi-Unit
IntermediateMCQMathematicalConceptual19.1k
Projectile colliding with a target block at the base of a frictionless ramp.
Projectile colliding with a target block at the base of a frictionless ramp.
Three separate trials are conducted with a stationary target block of mass \(M\) on a horizontal frictionless surface that transitions smoothly into an upward ramp. In each trial, an identical projectile of mass \(m\) moving horizontally to the right at speed \(v_0\) collides with the block.

Trial X: The collision is perfectly elastic.
Trial Y: The collision is partially inelastic (the projectile separates from the block with lower relative speed).
Trial Z: The collision is completely inelastic (the projectile embeds in the block).

After each collision, the block (or combined block-projectile system in Trial Z) slides up the ramp to a maximum vertical height \(h\) before momentarily coming to rest. Which of the following correctly ranks the maximum vertical heights \(h_X\), \(h_Y\), and \(h_Z\) reached in the three trials?

Log In to Continue

Accounts are free! Log in to try this question, see explanations, save progress, and more!

Tools for a 5