An Impossible momentum problem?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving an elastic collision between two identical steel marbles. The first marble, moving at an angle of 55 degrees post-collision, collides obliquely with a stationary marble. Participants emphasize the importance of calculating initial and final momenta in both x and y directions to apply conservation of momentum effectively. The challenge lies in the lack of velocity information, complicating the calculations. The conservation of momentum and energy principles are crucial for solving the problem.
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Homework Statement



A 45 g steel marble collides obliquely with an identical stationary marble, and continues at 55 degrees to its original direction. The collision is perfectly elastic. What is the angle between the direction taken by the target ball and the original direction of the incident ball? (2 marks)

Homework Equations



Momentum = mass x velocity
Change in momentum = change in mass x velocity
Force = Change in momentum / Time

P1 + P2 = P1' + P2'
M1V1 + M2V2 = M1V1' + M2V2'


The Attempt at a Solution



Without knowing their velocities I find it really difficult to figure this question out.
 
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pokeefer said:

The Attempt at a Solution



Without knowing their velocities I find it really difficult to figure this question out.

First, before the collision, find the initial momenta in the x and y directions.

Then after the collision, find the momenta in the x and y directions.

Application of conservation of linear momentum will give you two equations.

You are told that they collide elastically, so what quantity is conserved here?
 
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