Block x of mass m travels in the positive direction with a speed vx toward block y of mass m that is at rest, as shown in figure 1. After the collision, block y travels with a speed of vy in the positive direction while block x remains at rest. The horizontal surface that the blocks slide across is considered to be smooth. How can a student determine whether the collision is elastic or inelastic?.

The student can determine whether the collision is elastic or inelastic by comparing the initial momentum of the two-block system before and after the collision.

What is an elastic collision?

An elastic collision can be defined as a type of collision between two objects wherein the total kinetic energy of the two objects remains the same after the collision. Thus, there isn't a net loss of momentum and kinetic energy within the system due to the collision.

What is an inelastic collision?

An inelastic collision can be defined as a type of collision between two objects wherein the total kinetic energy of the two objects changes the same after the collision. Thus, there is a net loss of momentum and kinetic energy within the system due to the collision.

Since the masses, initial and final velocities of both blocks are known, the student can determine whether the collision is elastic or inelastic by comparing the initial momentum of the two-block system before and after the collision while applying the law of conservation of momentum [tex]\sum P_i = \sum P_f[/tex].

Where:

[tex]P_i[/tex] is the initial momentum.

[tex]P_f[/tex] is the final momentum.

Read more on momentum here: brainly.com/question/13822610