Solving Inelastic Collision for Two Hockey Players | Physics Problem

[Huskies213]

Can anyone tell me what i am doing wrong for this problem?
Two 75 kg hockey players skating at 5.75 m.s collide and stick together. If the angle btween their initial directions was 125 degrees, what is their velocity after the collision?

I used the formula Vf = m1v1/(m1+m2) cos 125 for the x value which is supposed to come out to be 1.23 m/s

and the same formula Vf = m1v1/(m1+m2) sin 125 for the y value which is supposed to come out to be 2.36 m/s.

Thanks !

 

[Doc Al]

Go back to basics with conservation of momentum:
$$m_1\vec{v_1} + m_2\vec{v_2} = (m_1 + m_2)\vec{v_f}$$

Establish x and y axes, and write expressions for momentum conservation for each direction separately.

Hint: If you define your x-axis to be along the line bisecting that 125 degree angle, your momentum calculations will be greatly simplified.

 

[kyle8921]

It looks like you are on the right track with using the formula for inelastic collisions. However, it is important to make sure that you are using the correct values for the masses and velocities of the players. Also, it is important to remember that the angle between the initial directions should be taken into account when calculating the final velocity. I suggest double-checking your calculations and making sure you are using the correct values. Additionally, you can try using the momentum conservation equation (m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1+m2)Vf) to solve for the final velocity. Keep practicing and don't hesitate to ask for help if you are still having trouble with the problem. Good luck!