Analysis of collisions from data

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the analysis of collisions involving two balls with masses of 0.553 kg and 0.410 kg, utilizing the Tracker tool for data visualization. The calculated momentum for mass A is 0.9511 kg m/s and for mass B is -1.5186 kg m/s, resulting in a total momentum of -0.569 kg m/s. The kinetic energy for mass A is 0.8179 J and for mass B is 2.8125 J, leading to a total kinetic energy of 3.6304 J. The calculations and methodology presented are accurate and align with the principles of momentum and kinetic energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as momentum and kinetic energy
  • Familiarity with the equations for momentum (p = m*v) and kinetic energy (KE = 1/2mv²)
  • Experience using Tracker for data analysis and visualization
  • Basic knowledge of mass and velocity measurements in physics experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced collision analysis techniques using conservation laws
  • Learn about elastic and inelastic collisions and their implications
  • Investigate the use of Tracker for more complex motion analysis
  • Study the effects of different mass ratios on collision outcomes
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding collision dynamics and energy conservation principles.

xjcov
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Good afternoon! I would like to preface by saying, yes, this is for a project. I am only posting here to see if my method of solving is correct before I finish the project incorrectly.

Homework Statement


I chose two balls, mass A: .553 kg and mass B: .410 kg
I recorded their collision and plotted the points on Tracker: http://physlets.org/tracker/
Through the analysis of the horizontal component of mass A (before the collision), I have determined the speed is 1.72m/s. On the horizontal component of mass B (before the collision), the speed is -3.704m/s. I have to find the momentum (kg m/s) and kinetic energy (J) of each collision and of the total system. Is my attempt correct? If not, can someone point me in the right direction?

Homework Equations


momentum: p = m*v
kinetic energy: 1/2mv2

The Attempt at a Solution


mass A momentum: (.553)(1.72) = 0.9511 kg m/s
mass A kinetic energy: 1/2(.553)(1.722) = 0.8179 J

mass B momentum: (.410)(-3.704) = -1.5186 kg m/s
mass B kinetic energy: 1/2(.410)(-3.7042) = 2.8125 J

For the total system I just added the values.
momentum: .9511 + -1.5186 = -.569
kinetic energy: .8179 J + 2.8125 J = 3.6304 J
 
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That is fine so far.
 
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Likes   Reactions: xjcov
mfb said:
That is fine so far.
Awesome! Thanks for the help!
 

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