Angles in Two-Dimensional Elastic Collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a two-dimensional elastic collision problem involving two pucks with masses m1 = 0.28 kg and m2 = 0.102 kg. The initial velocity of puck m1 is v1 = 0.785 m/s, while puck m2 is stationary. The user successfully calculates the final velocity of puck m2 (v2f = 0.343 m/s) but struggles to find the angle between the two velocities post-collision. The solution involves applying conservation of momentum in both the x and y axes, leading to two equations that can be solved for the angles of deflection.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elastic collisions and conservation of momentum
  • Familiarity with basic physics equations for kinetic energy
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Ability to set up and solve systems of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of two-dimensional elastic collisions in detail
  • Learn how to apply conservation of momentum in both x and y directions
  • Explore the use of trigonometric identities in solving physics problems
  • Practice similar problems involving angles in elastic collisions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and elastic collisions, as well as educators looking for examples of problem-solving in two-dimensional motion.

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Homework Statement


The setup is there are two pucks (m1, m2) on an air table and they undergo elastic collision while m2 is stationary. I am asked to find the angle between the two velocities but I can't figure out how without being giving at least one angle.

Variables:
m1 = 28.0 g = 0.28 kg
m2 = 102 g = 0.102 kg
v1 = 0.785 m/s
v2 = ?


Homework Equations


Ki = (1/2)m1v1i2
Kf = Ki
Kf = (1/2)m1v1f2 + (1/2)m2v2f2 = Ki


The Attempt at a Solution


First I went about finding what v2 was by using Kf = Ki

(1/2)(0.028)(0.785)2 + (1/2)(0.102)v2f2 = (1/2)(0.028)(1)2
(0.008) + (1/2)(0.102)v2f2 = (0.014)
v2f2 = (0.117)
v2f = 0.343 m/s

Now this is the part I'm stuck, since they want me to find the angle between v1 and v2. If they had given me at least an angle for m1 I could use [0 = m1v1fsin[tex]\theta[/tex] - m2v2fsin[tex]\theta[/tex]] but I have no angles to work with, and I'm not sure how I should arrange the equations to find the angle. If I were to guess I would say that they angle would be 90o since m2 was stationary, but I'm not sure how to prove that and I don't think it applies to this case since I have two different masses.

If anyone could help me understand this problem, that would be great!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Denote the angles of 2 v after collision along x-axis is alpha and beta. Then you write down conservation of momentum in x and y-axis. You will have 2 equations that contains cos, sin. Do some stuff and you can find 2 angles :D
 
You can define your coordinate axes so that the moving puck is initially traveling along the x-axis. You can then assume its angle (to the x-axis) becomes theta1 after the collision while the other puck goes off at theta2. Now there are three unknowns, v2f, theta1, and theta2, and three equations: 2 for momentum and 1 for energy.
 

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