A question on momentum conservation of bodies in combined motion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of momentum conservation in a scenario involving a 1kg object and a car. Participants explore how to determine the speed of the object after it falls off the car, considering both momentum and mechanical energy conservation. The context includes theoretical reasoning and problem-solving approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests solving the problem using momentum conservation, stating their calculated speed is 0.29 m/s, but notes this answer is not among the provided options.
  • Another participant recommends using both momentum and mechanical energy conservation as a simpler approach, emphasizing that momentum is conserved in the horizontal direction but not in the vertical.
  • There is a reiteration of the need to find the speed of the object as it leaves the car to apply conservation of momentum effectively.
  • Clarification is provided regarding the concept of "moving together," indicating that while the block and car may have the same velocity initially, the block will move separately once it falls off the car.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to solve the problem, with some advocating for momentum conservation and others suggesting a combination of momentum and mechanical energy conservation. There is no consensus on the correct method or the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of using symbols instead of numbers for clarity in calculations and suggest learning LaTeX for better presentation of equations. There are also indications of potential misunderstandings regarding the motion of the objects involved.

internationallove089
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TL;DR
momentum conservation, newton's laws
v1o9fffm.png


Frictions are neglected in the system pictured. Here, a 1kg object released from above moves the car underneath. When this object falls off the car, what is its speed in m/s?

This question was asked from momentum conservation, but I didn't want to do it from there. Can you solve the question from momentum conservation first? Secondly, the answer in my solution is not included in the options..

I find the answer to be 0.29 m/s.

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You should try momentum and mechanical energy conservation because it is the easier approach to this problem. Note that momentum is conserved in the horizontal direction but not the vertical. Once you have seen how the answer is put together, you can then try sorting out the kinematics equations and free body diagrams.

Whichever way you try to solve this, use symbols instead of numbers to keep track of what you are doing and helps us figure out where you went wrong in case you need additional help. Also, please take some time to learn how to use LaTeX to post your equations. Click on the link "LaTeX Guide" above the "Attach files" button.
 
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kuruman said:
You should try momentum and mechanical energy conservation because it is the easier approach to this problem. Note that momentum is conserved in the horizontal direction but not the vertical. Once you have seen how the answer is put together, you can then try sorting out the kinematics equations and free body diagrams.

Whichever way you try to solve this, use symbols instead of numbers to keep track of what you are doing and helps us figure out where you went wrong in case you need additional help. Also, please take some time to learn how to use LaTeX to post your equations. Click on the link "LaTeX Guide" above the "Attach files" button.
The objects move together, so we need to find the speed of the object as it leaves the end of the car to solve for conservation of momentum. But for this, we need to determine the final speed in the system in which they move together..
 
internationallove089 said:
The objects move together, so we need to find the speed of the object as it leaves the end of the car to solve for conservation of momentum. But for this, we need to determine the final speed in the system in which they move together..
"Move together" means that one does not move relative to the other and they have the same velocity and acceleration. If the block falls off the wedge, it does "move together" with the block. It moves separatly from the block with its own velocity and acceleration down the incline. The wedge on wheels moves with horizontal velocity and acceleration to the right.
 

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