In collision that are categorized as elastic, the total kinetic energy of the system is preserved such that,
KE1 = KE2
The kinetic energy of the system before the collision is solved below.
KE1 = (0.5)(25)(20)² + (0.5)(10g)(15)²
KE1 = 6125 g cm²/s²
This value should also be equal to KE2, which can be calculated using the conditions after the collision.
KE2 = 6125 g cm²/s² = (0.5)(10)(22.1)² + (0.5)(25)(x²)
The value of x from the equation is 17.16 cm/s.
Hence, the answer is 17.16 cm/s.