2D momentum of two objects next to a wall

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics problem involving two pucks colliding next to a wall, with one puck initially moving and the other stationary. After the collision, puck 1 reverses direction while puck 2 gains an unknown velocity in the x-direction. The user calculates the angle of collision using the pucks' radii and attempts to determine the momentum for both pucks. They express uncertainty about whether their approach to finding the velocity of puck 2 is correct, specifically questioning if vx can be derived from the momentum of puck 1. The thread seeks assistance in resolving the calculations related to the collision dynamics.
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Homework Statement


We have two pucks next to a wall. Puck 1 has velocity v0=15 m/s in the direction y (as seen on the picture). Puck 2 is stationary. After the collision puck 1 moves in the opposite direction with velocity v1=10 m/s and puck 2 moves with unknown velocity in the direction x. The radius of puck 1 is r1=3cm and of puck 2 r2=6cm. The mass of puck 1 is m1=0.1kg and of puck 2 m2=0.5kg. The collision is not elastic.

What is the velocity of puck 2 after the collision?

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8082/breznaslova.jpg

Homework Equations


Equation of momentum P=mv
Pythagorean theorem c2=a2+b2

The Attempt at a Solution


First I calculated the angle using the radiuses of the pucks and I got Cos(\alpha)=\frac{r<sub>2</sub>-r<sub>1</sub>}{r<sub>2</sub>+r<sub>1</sub>}
I got that \alpha = 70.5 degrees.

Then I went on to figure out momentums. I figured out this:
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8120/breznaslova2.jpg
The angle between P0 and P2 is \alpha.
Then I went on to make the P1 the hypotenus and the opposite is P1y which is the same as P=m1v1. From that I calculated the angle and then the adjacent P1x. Am I right to think that the velocity I am looking for is vx=\frac{P<sub>1x</sub>}{m<sub>2</sub>}.

Thanks for any assistance.
 
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