An Impossible momentum problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a perfectly elastic collision involving two identical steel marbles, each weighing 45 g. The initial marble collides obliquely and continues at an angle of 55 degrees to its original direction. To determine the angle between the target marble's direction and the original direction of the incident marble, participants emphasize the necessity of applying the conservation of momentum equations: P1 + P2 = P1' + P2' and M1V1 + M2V2 = M1V1' + M2V2'. The challenge lies in the lack of initial velocity data for the marbles, complicating the calculation of the final angle.

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pokeefer
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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.
 
Last edited:
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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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