Angle of Deflection in Elastic Collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angle of deflection after an elastic collision between two objects of different masses. Key variables include mass (m), initial angle (θi), initial speed (si), and final speed (sf). The solution involves using the slope derived from the positions of the two objects and applying the arctan function to find the final angle (θf). The principle of conservation of momentum is crucial, as it applies due to the absence of net force in the two-object system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elastic collision principles
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly arctan
  • Knowledge of conservation of momentum
  • Basic physics concepts related to mass and velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of elastic collision formulas
  • Learn about vector components in collision analysis
  • Explore simulations of elastic collisions using physics engines
  • Investigate real-world applications of collision physics in engineering
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Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of elastic collisions and their mathematical implications.

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This is the problem I am looking to solve: given two objects of different mass, find the angle of deflection after an elastic collision for each object.

For both objects we know:
  • m : Mass in Kilograms
  • θi : Initial Angle in Degrees
  • si : Initial Speed in Units per Second
  • sf : Final Speed in Units per Second
Looking For:
  • θf : Final Angle in Degrees
I have asked some of my colleagues at work how to do this without assuming one of the objects is stationary, and no one knew how, so I am curious if there is a formula or a way to derive the angle from this information.

SOLVED: I guess it is as simple as getting the slope from the position of the two objects then taking the arctan of that.
 
Last edited:
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Conservation of momentum with the 2 objects applies since there is no net force in this system of 2 objects. Can you go from there?
 

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