The Physics 241 Puzzler

The result of an elastic head-on collision between a stationary bowling ball (m_b) and a ping pong ball (m_p) with initial speed v_o is common sense. The bowling hardly moves at all and the ping pong ball rebounds with a nearly equal but opposite velocity - v_o. The happens because m_b >> m_p. (The bowling ball must have some velocity in the original direction to conserve momentum, but it is very small.)

Now consider the reverse problem. The ping pong ball is stationary and the bowling bowl approaches with initial speed vo. What are the velocities of each after the collision? Assume mb >> mp and give your answers only in terms of vo. It is certainly possible to do the calculations, but not necessary. The problem can solved using the "obvious" results of the first problem and then considering the problem from another frame of reference. Even if you decide to do the calculation, you must defend your answer verbally!

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