- #1
dorian_stokes
- 25
- 0
Homework Statement
Two hockey pucks approach each other as shown in the figure below. Puck 1 has an initial speed of 21 m/s, and puck 2 has an initial speed of 14 m/s. They collide and stick together.
The formula for finding the final velocity of the two pucks after a collision is given by: Vf = (m1 * V1 + m2 * V2) / (m1 + m2), where Vf is the final velocity, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two pucks, and V1 and V2 are their initial velocities.
Yes, there is a difference in the final velocity depending on the type of collision. In an elastic collision, where kinetic energy is conserved, the final velocity of both pucks will be different from their initial velocities. In an inelastic collision, where some kinetic energy is lost, the final velocity of both pucks will be the same.
Conservation of momentum is important in finding the final velocity of the two pucks because it states that the total momentum of a system before and after a collision remains constant. This allows us to use the formula Vf = (m1 * V1 + m2 * V2) / (m1 + m2) to calculate the final velocity.
The initial velocities of the pucks can be measured or given in the problem. The final velocities can be calculated using the formula Vf = (m1 * V1 + m2 * V2) / (m1 + m2). It is important to note that the velocities must be in the same direction for the formula to be accurate.
Yes, in some cases, the final velocity of the two pucks can be greater than their initial velocities. This can happen in an elastic collision where the kinetic energy is conserved and the pucks have different masses. In an inelastic collision, the final velocity of both pucks will always be less than or equal to their initial velocities.