Past exam of the physics 1 paper of the University of Oxford / 2017 resit / 9 / c

For masses $m$ and $2m$, the constant centre-of-mass velocity is $(V/3){\mathbf{e}}_x$. Initially the laboratory velocities are $V{\mathbf{e}}_x$ and zero, while the centre-of-mass frame velocities are $(2V/3){\mathbf{e}}_x$ and $-(V/3){\mathbf{e}}_x$. After the elastic collision they areAdding $(V/3,0)$ produces the lower-left panel's laboratory velocity vectors. The given $30^{\circ }$ laboratory angle impliesThe centre-of-mass frame scattering angle is therefore different from the laboratory angle. Reflection across the $x$-axis gives the equally possible negative-angle configuration.