X-y components after a collision

[MAPgirl23]

Spheres A (mass 0.020 kg), B (mass 0.030 kg), and C (mass 0.050 kg), are each approaching the origin as they slide on a frictionless air table. The initial velocities of A and B are 1.50 m/s and 0.50 m/s. All three spheres arrive at the origin at the same time and stick together.

a) What must the x-component of the initial velocity of C be if all three objects are to end up moving at 0.50 m/s in the +x-direction after the collision?

b) What must the y-component of the initial velocity of C be if all three objects are to end up moving at 0.50 m/s in the +x-direction after the collision?

c) If C has the velocity found in parts (A) and (B), what is the change in the kinetic energy of the system of three spheres as a result of the collision?

 

[arildno]

Nice questions; what have you done on your own?

 

[Corneo]

Perhaps I am not understanding this question correctly enough. Does the problem give the initial directions of the three masses? It would seem like you need them, so the components can add correctly.

 

[MAPgirl23]

I understand how to do it now