A block of mass 2.0 kg moving at 2.0 m/s collides head on with another block of equal mass kept at rest. Find the maximum possible loss in kinetic energy due to the collision.

Explanation

. Mass of block =2kg
and speed =2m/s
Mass of 2nd block =2kg
Let fiN/Al velocity of 2nd block =v
Using law of consevation of momentum
`2xx2=(2+2)-v`
`rarr v=1m/s`
`:.` Loss in K.E. in elastic collision
`=(1/2)xx2xx2^2-(1/2)(2+2)xx(1)^2`
`=4-2=2J`
`b. Actual loss=(Maximum loss)/2=1J`
`(1/2)xxw2xx(2)^2-(1/2)2xxv_1^2-(1/2)xx2v_2^2=1`
`rarr 4(v_1^2+v_2^2)=1`
`rarr 3-((1+e^I2)xx4)/2=1`
`rarr 2(1+e^2)=3`
`rarr 1+e^2=3/2`
`e^2=1/2`
`e=1/sqrt2`