Calculate the impulse exerted after an inelastic collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the impulse exerted by body B on body A during an inelastic collision, where block A of mass m collides with stationary block B of mass 2m. The final velocity after the collision is determined to be v' = v/3, leading to an impulse calculation of J = 2mv/3 for block B on block A. The application of Newton's third law confirms that the impulses are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, resulting in an impulse of -2mv/3 for block A. This analysis clarifies the relationship between momentum and impulse in inelastic collisions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of momentum and impulse
  • Basic knowledge of inelastic collisions
  • Ability to solve algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of momentum in inelastic collisions
  • Learn about impulse-momentum theorem applications
  • Explore examples of two-dimensional collisions in physics
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass ratios in collision scenarios
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of inelastic collisions and impulse calculations.

marsupial
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Homework Statement


A block A of mass m traveling with speed v collides head-on with a stationary body B of mass 2m. The two bodies stick together. Calculate the impulse exerted by body B on body A during the collision.

Homework Equations


## J = p_{final} - p_{initial} ##
## p_{initial} = p_{final} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure if this is correct. First I considered the system of the two blocks to calculate v':
mv + 0 = 3mv' -> v' = v/3

Then I calculated the initial and final momentum of block B on A using v' for final velocity:
## p_f - p_i = 2mv/3 - 0 = 2mv/3 ##

But I don't feel confident in the answer.
 
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marsupial said:
But I don't feel confident in the answer.
Newton's third law of motion implies that the blocks should experience "equal but opposite" impulses during the collision. How does the impulse delivered to A compare to the impulse delivered to B in your solution?

Does that boost confidence?
 
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It's -2mv/3, so it appears to be consistent. Thank you. Physics induces a great deal of uncertainty in me!
 
marsupial said:
Physics induces a great deal of uncertainty in me!
You're not alone. (I think Heisenberg said something similar.)
 
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