An elastic collision in two dimensions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an elastic collision in two dimensions, focusing on the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy. Participants are analyzing the problem presented in a linked document, which outlines the parameters of two colliding objects, including their masses, initial velocities, and angles.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the conservation of momentum in both x and y directions, questioning how to determine the momentum components before and after the collision.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the calculation of momentum components and the implications of angles in different quadrants.
  • There are attempts to set up equations based on the conservation laws, with discussions about the signs of the momentum components and the need to resolve unknowns.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the correctness of their approaches. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of momentum conservation equations and the relationship between velocity components and angles. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with a specific homework problem that includes a link to a document, which some find inaccessible. There is a focus on ensuring the correct application of physics principles while navigating the complexities of the problem setup.

  • #31
Note that when you calculate the KE, you are already given the speeds for the particles before the collision and the speed of the green particle after the collision. So for them there is no need to use components, just use KE = 1/2mV^2, where V is the given speed of the particle.

For the speed of the red particle after the collision, you'll have to figure that out. Using momentum equations, you can solve for Vx & Vy for that particle. Then you can calculate its KE either by first finding the total speed (V^2 = Vx^2 + Vy^2) or just by using the components of its velocity:
KE = 1/2mV^2 = 1/2mVx^2 + 1/2mVy^2.
 

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