Two physics problems involving collisions

In summary, in both conversations, we are dealing with elastic collisions and the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy. In the first conversation, a 10.0-g object moving at 20 cm/s collides with a 15.0-g object moving in the opposite direction at 30.0 cm/s. After the collision, the velocity of the first object is 25 cm/s to the left and the velocity of the second object is 10 cm/s to the right. In the second conversation, a billiard ball rolling at 1.50 m/s collides with an identical ball. The speed of each ball after the collision depends on the initial velocity of the second ball. If the second ball is initially at rest, both
  • #1
Cowtipper
36
0
1) A 10.0-g object moving to the right at 20 cm/s makes an elastic head-on collision with a 15.0-g object moving in the opposite direction at 30.0 cm/s. Find the velocity of each object after collision.

2) A billiard ball rolling across a table at 1.50 m/s makes a head on elastic collision with an identical ball. Find the speed of each ball after the collision (a) when the second ball is initially at rest (b) when the second ball is moving toward the first at a speed of 1.00 m/s and (c) when the second ball is moving away from the first at a speed of 1.00 m/s.

I have no idea where to start...

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it.
 
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  • #2
What's conservation of linear momentum? What else is conserved in an elastic collision? You must know something.
 
  • #3
Momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Conservation of momentum:

mvi1 + mvi2 = mvf1 + mvf2

I know that's what you have to use but I'm not too sure how...
 
  • #4
Note that the masses are different so it should be something like

m1vi1 + m2vi2 = m1vf1 + m2vf2

This is one equation you will need. Using the conservation of kinetic energy, set up another one. This will give you two equations and two unknowns (vf1 and vf2) and you will be able to solve for them.
 

1. What is a collision in physics?

A collision in physics refers to the event where two or more objects come into contact with each other and exert forces upon one another. This can result in changes in the objects' velocities, directions, and shapes.

2. What are the types of collisions in physics?

The two main types of collisions in physics are elastic and inelastic collisions. In elastic collisions, the total kinetic energy of the objects before and after the collision remains the same. In inelastic collisions, some of the kinetic energy is lost and converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound.

3. What is conservation of momentum in collisions?

Conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a system (the combined momentums of all objects involved) remains constant in a collision, assuming there are no external forces acting upon the system. This means that the total momentum before and after the collision must be equal.

4. How do you calculate the velocities of objects in a collision?

The velocities of objects involved in a collision can be calculated using the principles of conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy. By setting up equations using these principles, the velocities can be solved for using basic algebraic manipulation.

5. Can collisions be perfectly elastic?

Yes, collisions can be perfectly elastic, meaning that no kinetic energy is lost during the collision. This is possible in ideal situations where there is no friction or other external forces acting upon the objects involved. However, in real-world scenarios, collisions are often at least partially inelastic due to factors such as air resistance and imperfections in the objects' surfaces.

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