Question

An object of mass $m$ moving with a velocity $v$ collides inelastically with another object of mass $M$. If the two objects stick together, calculate the final velocity of combined mass.

• A. $\frac{M}{m+M}v$
• B. $\frac{m}{m+M}v$
• C. $\frac{m+M}{m}v$
• D. $\frac{m+M}{M}v$
• E. Zero

Answer 1

The correct option is B $\frac{m}{m+M}v$

Let the final velocity of the combined mass be $V$.

Using conservation of linear momentum : $P_i=P_f$

$\therefore$ $mv+0=(m+M)V$

$⟹V=\frac{m}{m+M}v$