Steel Ball Collision: Calculating Velocity and Direction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a collision problem involving two steel balls, focusing on the calculation of the velocity and direction of the second ball after the collision. The scenario includes a steel ball initially moving and striking a stationary ball, with specific directions and speeds provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the conservation of momentum in both the north-south and west-east axes, questioning how the total momentum remains zero in the north-south direction after the collision. There is also a discussion about the angle between the velocities of the two balls post-collision and how it affects the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants are actively engaging with the problem, attempting to clarify their understanding of the momentum conservation principles. One participant expresses confusion regarding the solution provided in the textbook, while another offers to review their calculations to identify any mistakes. There is a sense of progress as one participant indicates they have resolved their misunderstanding.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a discrepancy between the participant's calculations and the textbook answer, highlighting potential misunderstandings or errors in their approach. The discussion also touches on the requirement to consider angles and the implications of equal mass in the collision.

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1) A 2.0 kg steel ball rolling at 5.0 m/s [W] strikes a second steel ball of equal mass at rest. After a the collison, the first ball is deflected [N35W] at 3.0 m/s. Determine the velocity (and direction) of the second ball. (the answer in the back of the book is 4.1 m/s [s37w], but i got something different) thanks!
 
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What is the total momentum of the two balls before the collision, in the [NS] axis? Zero. So what should be the total momentum of the two balls after the collision along the same axis? Zero as well. So you have one equation, for the conservation of momentum in the [NS] axis, with one unknown - the velocity of the second ball after the collision. (In case this is what you are missing, the angle between the velocities of the two balls after the collision is 90 degreesm, because the masses of the balls are equal. If you cannot use this piece of information, or need to prove it first, just write down the equation for the conversation of momentum in the second axis, [WE], and introduce another variable into your equations - the angle of the velocity of the second ball.)
 
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i still don't understand how they got that answer! help please? thank you..
 
You say you got something different? Let's see what you did! That way we're not all reinventing the wheel.

cookiemonster
 
nevermind...i finally got it...i was making the most stupid mistake..
 

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