Angle and speed of can after collision

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a can of soup and a rock colliding, requiring calculations of the can's angle and speed after the collision. The user initially attempts to solve for the can's speed using momentum equations but struggles with algebraic manipulation. A key correction is highlighted, indicating that the vertical momentum equation should include the can's initial velocity, not just the rock's. This miscalculation affects the subsequent results, particularly for the angle of the can's motion. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly setting up equations to solve for both the angle and speed after the collision.
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Homework Statement


An m2 = 1.2 kg can of soup is thrown upward with a velocity of v2 = 4.6 m/s. It is immediately struck from the side by an m1 = 0.63 kg rock traveling at v1 = 7.9 m/s.
The rock ricochets off at an angle of α = 65◦ with a velocity of v3 = 5.5 m/s.

(a)What is the angle of the can’s motion after the collision?
Answer in units of ◦.

(b)With what speed does the can move immediately after the collision?
Answer in units of m/s.


Homework Equations


Px=m1v3cos\alpha+m2v4cos\beta
Py=m1v3sin\alpha+m2v4sin\beta

where Px= m1v1
and Py=0


The Attempt at a Solution


so then I solved for v4= -m1v3sin\alpha/m2sin\beta

then I plugged v4 back into the first equation and I think this is where I messed up, probably in the algebra because then:

m1v1= m1v3cos\alpha+m2(m1v3sin\alpha/m2sin\beta)cos\beta

m1v1= m1v3cos\alpha-(m1v3sin\alphacos\beta

then I plugged numbers in:

4.977= 3.465 cos 65\circ-3.14036 cot \beta
3.14036cot\beta=-3.51263
\beta=137.203\circ

as for part (b) I don't know how to solve without part (a)
 
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Please, anyone?

Am I even on the right track?
 
hi gap0063! :smile:
gap0063 said:
An m2 = 1.2 kg can of soup is thrown upward with a velocity of v2 = 4.6 m/s. Px=m1v3cos\alpha+m2v4cos\beta
Py=m1v3sin\alpha+m2v4sin\beta

where Px= m1v1
and Py=0

no, your Py should be m2v2, shouldn't it?

(and that's messed up your calculation of v4 at the start :redface:)
 
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