2D Elastic Collision Using Conservation of Momentum

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a 2D elastic collision problem using the conservation of momentum. Two objects, m1 (2.74 kg) and m2 (2.28 kg), collide, with m1 moving at 12.8 m/s at 295 degrees and m2 at 12.8 m/s at 241 degrees after the collision. The initial velocity of m1 was incorrectly calculated as 18.69 m/s at 244.47 degrees. Participants confirmed that the calculations align with the conservation of momentum principles, specifically using the equations P=mv and m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1' + m2v2'.

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Dan K
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Homework Statement


Two objects collide and bounce off one another. After the collision, object m1 = 2.74 kg moves off at 12.8 m/s at a heading of 295 degrees. Object m2 = 2.28 kg moves off at 12.8 m/s at a heading of 241 degrees. Initially, m2 was traveling at 11.1 m/s at a heading of 334 degrees. What must have been the initial velocity of m1? Give the speed for your first answer and the compass heading for your second answer. (remember, the CAPA abbreviation for degrees is deg)

Homework Equations


P=mv and Pi = Pf and m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1' + m2v2'

The Attempt at a Solution


I entered into LONCAPA "18.69 m/s" and "244.47 deg" and I get incorrect.
Here are some photos of my work:
https://drive.google.com/a/stewardschool.org/file/d/0BzSEVWCM57xURlRUYm5wbklwWEU/preview
I have spent like an hour on this question alone. Please Help!
 
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Hello and welcome to PF!

Your work looks correct to me. I get the same answer as you.
Of course, you should double check that you have not misread any of the numbers in the original problem statement.
 
I get the same result as well.
 

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