To solve this problem, we can use the principle of conservation of momentum. According to this principle, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.
Given: Mass of the first ball (m1) = 0.35 kg Mass of the second ball (m2) = 0.40 kg Initial velocity of the second ball (u2) = -5.0 m/s (negative sign indicates it's moving to the left)
Let's assume the final velocity of the combined balls is v.
Using the conservation of momentum: (m1 * 0) + (m2 * u2) = (m1 + m2) * v
Simplifying the equation: (0.35 kg * 0) + (0.40 kg * -5.0 m/s) = (0.35 kg + 0.40 kg) * v
0 + (-2.0 kg·m/s) = (0.75 kg) * v
-2.0 kg·m/s = 0.75 kg * v
Dividing both sides by 0.75 kg: v = (-2.0 kg·m/s) / 0.75 kg v ≈ -2.67 m/s
Therefore, the combined balls move with a velocity of approximately 2.67 m/s to the left (in the negative direction) after the collision.