Two hypothetical planets of masses m1 and m2 are at rest when they are infinite distance apart. Because of the gravitational force they move towards each other along the line joining their centres. What is their speed if their separation is 'd'?
(Speed of m1 is v1 and that of m2 is v2)
Since this is a system with no external forces, both energy and momentum will be conserved.
From momentum conservation, m1v1+m2v2=0
⟹v1=−m2m1v2 --- eq.1
From Energy conservation, 12m1v21+12m2v22=Gm1m2d --- eq.2
Substituting v1 from eq.1 in eq.2, we get Gm1m2d=12m22m1v22+12m2v22
Which gives v22=2Gm21d(m1+m2)
⇒v2=m1√2Gd(m1+m2) and v1=m2√2Gd(m1+m2)