How Do You Solve a Frictionless Collision Where Two Masses Stick Together?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a frictionless collision involving two masses, where one mass is moving west and the other south. The participants are tasked with determining the combined velocity after the collision, assessing kinetic energy loss, and classifying the type of collision.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the outcomes of the collision, including velocity and energy considerations. Some participants reference definitions of elastic and inelastic collisions to clarify concepts related to kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify definitions and concepts related to the collision. While one participant expresses uncertainty about solving the first part of the problem, another indicates they have resolved it independently. There is no explicit consensus on the first question, but some guidance on kinetic energy is provided.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's questions are framed within the context of a homework assignment, which may impose specific constraints on how the problem is approached or solved.

justinbaker
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not even sure where to start on this one

Consider the following frictionless collision: Mass A (60 kg) moves west at 5.00 m/s and mass B (20 kg) moves south at 20 m/s. They collide and stick together.

1.) what are the magnitude and the direction of their velocity after they stick together? Give sketch and angle.

2.) Is any kinetic energy lost in the collision? If so how much?

3.) Is this an elastic collision? why or why not?




thanks for the help everyone
 
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well, according to my physics book:

Elastic Collision: One in which the total kinetic energy of the system after the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy before the collision.

Inelastic Collision: One in which the total kinetic energy of the system is not the same before and after the collision; if the objects stick together after colliding, the collision is said to be completely inelastic.


so...i think that should answer your 2nd and 3rd questions...i'd help with the first, but I'm pretty sure i'd screw that up, lol. I hope this helps. :o)
 
can anyone else help with the 1st one?
 
nvr mind i got it
 

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