Relative speed: Horizontal distance travelled in a collision

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a collision problem involving a particle colliding with a horizontal surface, focusing on the horizontal distance traveled during the collision. The subject area includes concepts of kinematics and dynamics, particularly in the context of collisions and friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the coefficient of kinetic friction being zero and the role of the coefficient of restitution. There is an exploration of the effects of horizontal and vertical components of velocity during the collision.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants suggesting that only the horizontal component of velocity is relevant to the problem. There is a recognition of the lack of horizontal forces acting on the particle, which leads to a focus on the horizontal motion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the specific conditions of the problem, such as the collision time and the assumption of an infinite mass surface. The relevance of vertical motion and the coefficient of restitution is being questioned.

physicsfun
Given coefficient of kinetic friction is zero and the coefficient of restitution is e:

A particle of mass m, collides at an angle (theta), with speed v, onto an infinite mass horizontal surface.
Collision time is 0.2 seconds.

What is the horizontal distance traveled by the particle during the collision?
 
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Since no horizontal force acts on the particle, the horizontal component of its velocity remains constant.
 
Doc, thanks for your reply!
so, and since it's just horizontal velocity... we just have to take into account the horizontal initial component and the vertical and coefficient of restitution are irrelevant in this case then?
 
That's what I would say.
 

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