sodr2
Apr15-08, 08:25 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
If you have a mass colliding with another mass at rest and they both go off in different directions, how do you find out the velocity of the masses after the collision given the distance they travel, the angle they travel and the masses (m1 = m2). You are also told that momentum is proportional to velocity which is proportional to distance.
2. Relevant equations
P(total) = P(total)¹
m1v1 = m1v1¹ + m2v2¹
3. The attempt at a solution
Im guessing that the horizontal component of their velocity remains unchanged and therefore the distance they go horizontally is propotional to their horizontal velocity, but I still dont understand how you can determine the velocity of the masses with this information.
I was told that the distance the masses travel after collision represents the final momentum vectors of mass 1 & 2 because m1 = m2 and p is proportional to v, proportional to d. Could I take the distance they travel and divide it by thier masses to get the velocity because p=mv????
If you have a mass colliding with another mass at rest and they both go off in different directions, how do you find out the velocity of the masses after the collision given the distance they travel, the angle they travel and the masses (m1 = m2). You are also told that momentum is proportional to velocity which is proportional to distance.
2. Relevant equations
P(total) = P(total)¹
m1v1 = m1v1¹ + m2v2¹
3. The attempt at a solution
Im guessing that the horizontal component of their velocity remains unchanged and therefore the distance they go horizontally is propotional to their horizontal velocity, but I still dont understand how you can determine the velocity of the masses with this information.
I was told that the distance the masses travel after collision represents the final momentum vectors of mass 1 & 2 because m1 = m2 and p is proportional to v, proportional to d. Could I take the distance they travel and divide it by thier masses to get the velocity because p=mv????