Elastic collision between rod and ball

In summary, a small ball collides elastically with a rod of mass M on a frictionless surface. The collision occurs at the center of the rod at a right angle and the rod has no initial rotation. The homework questions ask where the axis of rotation would be, what the angular velocity around that axis would be, and what the velocity of the rod's center of mass would be after the collision. It is possible that there is no rotation after the collision.
  • #1
tilaib
1
0

Homework Statement



A rod of mass M is lying on a flat frictionless surface. A small ball of mass m and
velocity v collides with the rod in the center at the rod at right angle to the rod.
The collision is elastic.


Homework Equations



a) Where is the axis of rotation for the rod after the collision?
b) What is the angular velocity around the axis of rotation after this collision?
c) What is the velocity of the center of mass of the rod after the collision?

The Attempt at a Solution



As far as I can see, there should be no rotation. But how do I show this?
 
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  • #2
You might assume that there is a rotation, then in the process of calculating what the rotation would be, you might find there is none. Many proofs are done this way in that it might be hard to prove something is always true but easy to fine one example of a falsehood to disprove your original hypothesis.
 
  • #3
tilaib, I agree with barryj, but it does seem strange that the question asks about rotation twice. Are you quite certain you are reading the statement of the set-up correctly?
 

Related to Elastic collision between rod and ball

1. What is an elastic collision between a rod and a ball?

An elastic collision between a rod and a ball is a type of collision in which both objects collide and bounce off each other without any loss of kinetic energy. This means that the total kinetic energy of the system before and after the collision remains constant.

2. What factors affect the outcome of an elastic collision between a rod and a ball?

The outcome of an elastic collision between a rod and a ball is affected by factors such as the masses of the objects, their velocities, and the angle of collision. These factors determine the direction and speed of the objects after the collision.

3. How is the kinetic energy conserved in an elastic collision between a rod and a ball?

In an elastic collision between a rod and a ball, the kinetic energy is conserved due to the absence of external forces. This means that the total kinetic energy of the system before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision.

4. What is the difference between an elastic and an inelastic collision between a rod and a ball?

The main difference between an elastic and an inelastic collision between a rod and a ball is that in an elastic collision, there is no loss of kinetic energy, while in an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is lost, usually in the form of heat or sound.

5. How is the velocity of the objects after an elastic collision between a rod and a ball calculated?

The velocity of the objects after an elastic collision between a rod and a ball can be calculated using the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy equations. These equations take into account the masses and velocities of the objects before and after the collision.

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