This question is from the M2 UK maths textbook. None of my set seem able to complete it nor can any of the teachers so far. If any would like to give it a go, please do.

Note: There is also the chance that the question was printed wrong and it will not work.

-------------

A sphere of mass m1 moving with speed of u1 collides directly with a similar sphere of mass m2 moving with speed u2 in the same direction (u1 > u2). The coefficient of restitution between the two spheres is e. Show that the loss of kinetic energy E due to the collision satisfies the equation:

2(m1+m2)E=m1m2(u1-u2)^2(1-e^2)

Thanks

Mark