Question

A ball of mass m strikes the inclined face of the wedge normally with speed $v_0$. The wedge is at rest on a rough horizontal surface before collision. The conservation of momentum is applicable for

(i) $m$ as system, along $Y^{\prime }$
(ii) $M$ as system, along $Y^{\prime }$
(iii) $(M+m)$ as system, along $X$
(iv) $(M+m)$ as system, along $Y$
which of the following statement/statements is correct?

• A. (iii) only
• B. (iii) and (iv) only
• C. (i) and (ii) only
• D. (i) only

Answer 1

The correct option is D (i) only

Normal force by the rough surface and frictional force are impulsive in nature. Hence conservation of linear momentum is applicable for $m$ only along common tangent.

Final Answer: (a)