2D Momentum Question on pool balls

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a 2D momentum problem involving two pool balls, each with a mass of 0.17 kg. Ball A is initially at rest while ball B travels at 4.5 m/s [N] before colliding and subsequently moves at 1.6 m/s [N20E]. The calculated velocity of ball A was initially determined to be 4.2 m/s, but the correct answer is 3 m/s. Key insights include the necessity to correctly apply momentum conservation principles and the importance of accurately resolving vector components using trigonometric functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 2D momentum conservation principles
  • Proficiency in vector resolution using trigonometric functions
  • Familiarity with elastic and inelastic collision concepts
  • Basic knowledge of physics equations related to momentum (p = mv)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review vector resolution techniques in physics, focusing on sine and cosine functions
  • Study the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Practice additional 2D momentum problems to reinforce understanding
  • Explore the implications of momentum conservation in multi-body systems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and momentum, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to collisions and vector analysis.

SpyIsCake
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Homework Statement


Standard pool balls have a mass of 0.17kg. Before a collision, ball A is at rest and ball B is traveling at 4.5 m/s [N]. After the collision, ball B is traveling at 1.6 m/s [N20E]. What is the velocity of ball A?

Homework Equations


pinitial = pfinal
m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1 + m2v2

The Attempt at a Solution


I believe that the initial momentum would be 0.17 * 4.5 m/s = 0.765kg m/s [N].
The momentum for B is 1.6 * 0.17 = 0.272
The initial momentum has to equal the final momentum, so:

0.765kg/m/s = 0.272 + A

I drew a triangle for B's angle.

For X component: 0.272 cos 20 deg = 0.255
For Y component: 0.272 sin 20 deg = 0.09

The X component will just be 0.255 [W] because the X component is 0.
The Y component will have to be the difference between 0.765 and 0.09302, because you need the north to have the same momentum. The answer to that is 0.7168.

Then I plug them all in and use Pythagorean theorem to find the momentum, which was 0.76 kg m/s.
I divide that by the mass of 0.17kg and got a velocity of 4.2 m/s.

But unfortunately, the answer is 3 m/s.

How?
 
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SpyIsCake said:
The Y component will have to be the difference between 0.765 and 0.09302, because you need the north to have the same momentum. The answer to that is 0.7168.
The North components do not have to have the same momentum. The total momentum in the system cannot change.
 
SpyIsCake said:

Homework Statement


Standard pool balls have a mass of 0.17kg. Before a collision, ball A is at rest and ball B is traveling at 4.5 m/s [N]. After the collision, ball B is traveling at 1.6 m/s [N20E]. What is the velocity of ball A?

Homework Equations


pinitial = pfinal
m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1 + m2v2

The Attempt at a Solution


I believe that the initial momentum would be 0.17 * 4.5 m/s = 0.765kg m/s [N].
The momentum for B is 1.6 * 0.17 = 0.272
The initial momentum has to equal the final momentum, so:

0.765kg/m/s = 0.272 + A
This last statement is not correct. The north component of B's momentum (i.e. mv(cos(20)) + the north component of A's momentum has to equal B's initial momentum. I think you are also assuming that this is an elastic collision. You cannot assume that.
AM
 
You may have cos and sin switched over. N20E is 20 degrees E of N, so if you are taking the positive X axis as E then the X component will involve sin of 20 degrees.
 

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