Billiards Ball Collision Analysis

In summary, the question asks for the speed of the other ball after a glancing collision between two identical billiard balls. The equation to use is MaVa + MbVb = MaVa' + MbVb', where Ma and Mb are the masses of the two balls, Va and Vb are their initial velocities, and Va' and Vb' are their final velocities. The momentum before and after must be equal, and if the collision is on an angle, the velocity and momentum are vectors with two components. The equation remains the same.
  • #1
JonathanSnow
25
0

Homework Statement



2 identical biliards balls collde after a glancing collision determine the speed of the other ball,
2333351843_353551cc01.jpg

Homework Equations



MaVa + MbVb = MaVa' + MbVb' ?

The Attempt at a Solution



is this just as simple as the momentum formula before and after, or am I forgetting somthing obvious, because 5cm/s in the other direction dosent make any sense
 
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  • #2
also is there a different formula to use for this when its on an angle, i know momentum before has to equal momentum after as does kinetic energy, mind you its not asking for kinetic, only speed, the balls are the same size so in the momentum formula we can get rid of the mass?, and its obvious its perfectly elastic anyways.
 
  • #3
If the collision isn't on a straight line you can use the same momentum equation, only now the velocity and momentum are vectors with 2 components.
 

1. How do billiards balls collide?

Billiards balls collide when one ball strikes another ball with enough force to transfer energy and cause the second ball to move in a different direction.

2. What causes the direction of billiards ball collision?

The direction of billiards ball collision is determined by the angle at which the first ball strikes the second ball. This angle is known as the angle of incidence.

3. Do billiards balls collide with equal force?

No, billiards balls do not collide with equal force. The force of the collision depends on the mass and velocity of each ball, as well as the angle of incidence.

4. How is the energy conserved in billiards ball collision?

In a closed system, the total energy before and after a billiards ball collision remains the same. Some energy is transferred from the first ball to the second ball, but the total amount of energy in the system remains constant.

5. Can billiards balls collide elastically?

Yes, billiards balls can collide elastically, meaning that the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. This type of collision is characterized by minimal loss of energy and the balls will continue moving after the collision at different angles and velocities.

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