Physics

To calculate the fraction of the initial kinetic energy lost during the inelastic collision, we will use the principles of momentum conservation and kinetic energy calculation.

 

Calculate the initial kinetic energy

The formula for kinetic energy is:

 

For the 5 kg ball moving at 6 m/s:

 

For the stationary 10 kg ball:

 

Thus, the total initial kinetic energy is:

 

Calculate the final velocity after the collision

Since the collision is perfectly inelastic (the two balls stick together), we apply the principle of conservation of momentum:

 

Given:

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