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Question 30549
JEE Physics · Medium

Center of Mass, Momentum and Collision: Elastic — Light on Heavy MCQ

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Elastic — Light on HeavyMediumQuestion 30549

Question

A light ball (mass m << M) bounces elastically off a much heavier stationary ball. The light ball approximately:
  1. A
    Stops
  2. B
    Continues at same speed (same direction)
  3. C
    Reverses with approximately same speed
    Correct
  4. D
    Moves at half speed

Correct answer

Reverses with approximately same speed

Explanation

Using elastic collision formula: v₁ ≈ −u₁ when m₁ << m₂. The light ball bounces back with nearly the same speed.

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