What Causes the Difference in Calculated Angles in Inelastic Collision Problems?

  • Thread starter Thread starter teknodude
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Collision
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the angle between the initial velocities of two objects involved in a completely inelastic collision, where both objects have the same mass and initial speed. The final velocity of the combined mass is half of the initial speed. The correct approach involves using momentum conservation equations for both the x and y components, leading to the conclusion that the angle between the initial velocities is 120 degrees. The user initially misapplied the momentum equations by incorrectly orienting their diagram, which resulted in an incorrect angle calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum conservation principles in physics
  • Familiarity with vector components in two-dimensional motion
  • Knowledge of inelastic collisions and their characteristics
  • Ability to solve trigonometric equations related to angles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of momentum conservation in inelastic collisions
  • Learn how to correctly set up vector diagrams for collision problems
  • Explore trigonometric functions and their applications in physics
  • Review example problems involving angles in two-dimensional collisions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and collision problems, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to inelastic collisions and momentum conservation.

teknodude
Messages
150
Reaction score
0
After a completely inelastic collision, two objects of the same mass and initial speed are found to move away together at 1/2 their initial speed. Find the angle between the initial velocities of the objects.

Solution is here http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~senglish/APphysicswebsite/collisions/solutions%20on%20collisions/17.pdf

My first atempt to solve this problem was drawing my diagram so that both objects converge towards the positive y-axis instead of the positive x-axis as seen in solution.

v=initial velocity vf= final velocity
so the x-comp mv cos A - mv cos B= 0
y-comp mv sin A + mv sin A = 2m vf

Well it didn't work, so i gave up and redrew my diagram like the one in the solution and solved it that way. I'm starting to conclude that my original idea solved for a different angle for the problem.

What did i do wrong in solving the problem with my original diagram with the objects converging towards the positive y-axis
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
NOTE:
The x component momentum is

mv cosA - mv cosB = 0

not

mv cosA - mv sinA
 
Hyperreality said:
NOTE:
The x component momentum is

mv cosA - mv cosB = 0

not

mv cosA - mv sinA

typo :mad:

anyway your right

my calculations so far
x-comp mv cos A - mv cos B= 0 A=b but then its 0=0 which doesn;t really help

so looking at the y-comp
y-comp mv sin A + mv sin A = 2m vf

2mv sinA = 2mv 1/2v

sin A = 1/2
A= 30 degrees x2 60 degrees

The answer is suppose to be 120 degrees, but then my answer plus the actual is 180 degrees. Therefore i think the angle i solved for was the outside angle, but why :confused:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K