Minimum Separation of Two Frictionless Pucks

In summary, two frictionless pucks with different masses and charges are placed on a level surface with an initial distance of 20.0 m. Puck 1 has a mass of 0.80 kg and a charge of +3.0 X 10^-4 C, while puck 2 has a mass of 0.40 kg and a charge of +3.0 X 10^-4 C. Puck 1 has an initial velocity of 12.0 m/s (E) and puck 2 has an initial velocity of 8.0 m/s (W). The question asks for the minimum separation between the two pucks, which is the minimum distance between them. To solve this, the equation
  • #1
fa08ti
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two frictionless pucks are placed on a level surface, as shown, at an initial distance of 20.0 m. the mass of puck 1 is 0.80 kg and it has a charge of +3.0 X 10^-4 C., while puck 2 is 0.40 kg with a charge of +3.0 X 10^-4 C. the initial velocity of puck 1 is 12.0 m/s (E) and the initial velocity of puck 2 is 8.0 m/s (W). find the minimum separation of the two pucks (the minimum distance between the pucks>

1: I'm totally lost
would i use
E= delta V/r
?
 
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  • #2
Which forms of energy are at play? How do they relate to each other?
 

1. What is the minimum separation of two frictionless pucks?

The minimum separation of two frictionless pucks is the smallest distance they can be apart from each other without any external forces acting on them. This distance is determined by the initial velocities and positions of the pucks.

2. How is the minimum separation of two frictionless pucks calculated?

The minimum separation of two frictionless pucks can be calculated using the equations of motion, specifically the conservation of momentum and energy. By setting the initial velocities and positions of the pucks, the minimum separation can be determined.

3. What factors affect the minimum separation of two frictionless pucks?

The minimum separation of two frictionless pucks is affected by the initial velocities and positions of the pucks, as well as any external forces acting on them. Other factors that can affect the minimum separation include the masses of the pucks and the surface on which they are moving.

4. Can the minimum separation of two frictionless pucks be changed?

Yes, the minimum separation of two frictionless pucks can be changed by altering the initial velocities and positions of the pucks, or by introducing external forces such as collisions with other objects. However, the minimum separation will always be the smallest distance the pucks can be apart without any external forces acting on them.

5. Why is the concept of minimum separation important in the study of frictionless pucks?

The concept of minimum separation is important in the study of frictionless pucks because it helps us understand the behavior of these objects and predict their movements. It also allows us to determine the maximum distance the pucks can travel before they start to interact with each other, which is useful in applications such as air hockey or billiards.

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