What Is the Maximum Deflection Angle in a Partially Inelastic Collision?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in mechanics involving a partially inelastic collision between two identical balls. One ball is initially stationary while the other has a kinetic energy of 8J. The problem seeks to determine the maximum deflection angle after the collision, considering that 2J of energy is converted to heat.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore relationships using conservation of momentum and energy, attempting to derive equations for the angles of deflection (alpha and beta). There are discussions about the correctness of the equations and how to relate the angles to each other.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights and attempted different approaches to the problem. Some have suggested specific equations to use, while others express uncertainty about their results and seek further clarification. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to understand the relationships involved in the collision.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem and the challenge of simplifying their equations. There is also a reference to the comparison of angles in elastic collisions, which may provide context for understanding the inelastic case being discussed.

thenewbosco
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I had made an error on my previous post so i will take it back to the beginning. I can't get this one for some reason.

First look at the diagram: http://bosco.iwarp.com/diagram.jpg

OK here's the problem:

Two identical balls (mass m) undergo a collision. Initially one ball is stationary, the other has kinetic energy of 8J. The collision is partially inelastic with 2 J energy converted to heat. What is the maximum deflection angle (alpha or beta) at which one of the balls is observed?

I have come up with the following relationships using conservation of momentum and energy:

1. Vo = V1 cos a + V2 cos B

2. 0 = V1 sin a - V2 sin B

and 12 = m (V1f^2 + V2f^2) which i believe can be written

3. 0.75Vo = V1^2+V2^2

by rearranging initial kinetic energy of ball one to solve for m.

How do i go about comparing alpha and beta? Are my equations correct
Help please! thanks
 
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thenewbosco said:
I have come up with the following relationships using conservation of momentum and energy:

1. Vo = V1f cos a + V2f cos B

2. 0 = V1f sin a + V2f sin B

and 12 = m (V1f^2 + V2f^2) which i believe can be written

3. 0.75Vo = V1f^2+V2f^2

1. and 2. are fine. 3. should have Vo^2:

This is not a trivial problem to solve. Use 1 and 2. to find [itex]cos\beta \text{ in terms of } sin\alpha \text{ and } cos\alpha[/itex]

Then look at the ranges of values that [itex]cos\beta[/itex] can have. There should be a [itex]\sqrt{.75}[/itex] term in there somewhere.

AM
 
Well i have attempted this another way and have got the following:

[itex]2 = mv_{1}v_{2} (cos \alpha }+ \beta)[/itex]

now i do not know how to compare [itex]\alpha[/itex] and [itex]\beta[/itex]

any help
 
?
 
thenewbosco said:
Well i have attempted this another way and have got the following:

[itex]2 = mv_{1}v_{2} (cos \alpha }+ \beta)[/itex]

now i do not know how to compare [itex]\alpha[/itex] and [itex]\beta[/itex]

any help
It has to have [itex]\beta[/itex] in terms of [itex]\alpha[/itex] ONLY. You can do this with these equations: determine v2f in terms of v1f using 2. and substitute into 1. to find v1f in terms of [itex]\alpha \text{ and } \beta[/itex]. Substitute also into 3. to find v1f. [itex](v_0^2 = 16/m)[/itex]. Then combine the two to find [itex]beta[/itex] in terms of [itex]\alpha[/itex] (the m falls out).

AM
 
I don't know why this is not working out but after trying what you said i got:

[tex]3sin^2\beta (cos^2\alpha + 2cos\alpha + cos^2\beta) = 4(sin^2\beta+sin^2\alpha)[/itex]<br /> <br /> It should probably be simpler shouldn't it?<br /> <br /> I really want to get this one done but it just isn't working out<br /> Thanks for all your help on this one[/tex]
 
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??
 
thenewbosco said:
I don't know why this is not working out but after trying what you said i got:

[tex]3sin^2\beta (cos^2\alpha + 2cos\alpha + cos^2\beta) = 4(sin^2\beta+sin^2\alpha)[/itex]<br /> <br /> It should probably be simpler shouldn't it?<br /> <br /> I really want to get this one done but it just isn't working out<br /> Thanks for all your help on this one[/tex]
[tex] I told you it was non-trivial. Have a look at the solution for an elastic collision at: <a href="http://rustam.uwp.edu/201/L12/lec12_w.html" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">http://rustam.uwp.edu/201/L12/lec12_w.html</a> (scroll down to the collision in 2 dimensions). For elastic collisions the two angles add to 90 degrees. The question is asking how the sum of the two angles in an inelastic collision where 25% of the energy is lost compares to 90 degrees.<br /> <br /> AM[/tex]
 
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