The blocks shown in the figure possess equal masses. The contact surface of block A with the floor is smooth, while that of block B has a friction coefficient of 0.10 with the floor. Block A travels at a speed of 10 m/s towards block B, which is initially at rest. Determine the distance travelled by block B if the collision is perfectly elastic. Take g = 10 m/s ^2 .

Step-by-step solution

Given that the blocks have equal masses ( m_A = m_B = m ) and the collision is perfectly elastic, the velocities of the blocks are exchanged after the collision. Initial velocity of block A, u_A = 10 m/s Initial velocity of block B, u_B = 0 After the collision, the velocity of block B becomes v_B = u_A = 10 m/s . Block B moves on a rough surface with a coefficient of friction = 0.10 . The retardation of block B is given by a = g . Substituting the given values, a = 0.10 10 = 1 m/s ^2 . Using the equation of motion