Collisions - physics help!!?

initial momentum = final momentum

(125kg)(5.0m/s) = (m+125kg)(3.7m/s)

m = 44kg

Clarification. Each ball collides with the other two balls simultaneously? I.e., form a triangle. Not simply a line where ball 3 is hit simultaneously by 1 and 2 and 1, 2 and 3 form a line at the moment of collision. Tricky, I like the problem. I think I know how to do it, but I have to work. If Dr. D doesn't beat me, I'll try my luck this evening. >>>>>>>>> Scythian, Dr. D.: 1. I am assuming a triangular collision like Dr. D. However, there are an infinite number of possible collisions. Balls 1 and 2 can be directly in line and Ball 3 hits them both as they collide, or they can be offset such that both Ball 1 and 3 hit ball 2 at 30 degrees off-center from its direction of travel. Obviously we need a little more direction. I like balls 1 and 2 being directly in line. (I'm not sure if Dr. D made that assumption) 2. Dr. D, your momentum, i.e., center of mass, changes (sorry). *Note, 120, 30 and 210 will work for every ball coming out at the same speed, but I don't think that is the best answer. I believe ball 2 should come out at over 1 v. 3. I am running out of time tonight and won't have any for a while. I suggest that you first you fix ball 1, and solve for ball 2 and 3 hitting it simultaneously then hitting each other, repeat for ball 2 and then ball 3, (these solutions should all be pretty close to each other) you then average all three and correct for any energy and momentum issues (which should be really minor).. Perhaps someone else can pick up on this idea if I can't get back timely. >>>>>>>>>

Don't spam the entirety of your homework. Look up the equation for Conservation of Momentum problems and solve according to the values.