A cue stick has a mass of 0.5 kg. The cue stick hits a ball with a mass of 0.2 kg at a velocity of 2.5 m/s. What is the velocity of the ball after it is hit? (1 point)
Responses
6.3 m/s
6.3 m/s
3.6 m/s
3.6 m/s
2.5 m/s
2.5 m/s
8.3 m/s
To find the velocity of the ball after it is hit, we can use the law of conservation of momentum. The initial momentum of the cue stick and ball combined is equal to the final momentum of the ball alone.
The initial momentum is calculated by multiplying the mass of the cue stick (0.5 kg) by its velocity (2.5 m/s):
Initial momentum = (0.5 kg)(2.5 m/s) = 1.25 kg·m/s
Since the cue stick hits the ball and transfers its momentum to the ball, the final momentum is equal to the initial momentum:
Final momentum = 1.25 kg·m/s
Now, we can calculate the velocity of the ball after it is hit by dividing the final momentum by the mass of the ball (0.2 kg):
Velocity = Final momentum / Mass
Velocity = 1.25 kg·m/s / 0.2 kg
Velocity = 6.25 m/s
Therefore, the velocity of the ball after it is hit is 6.25 m/s. However, since the given answer options don't include this exact value, the closest option is 6.3 m/s.