Calculating Final Speed in Elastic collision (momentum)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the final velocities of two balls involved in an elastic collision, given their masses and initial velocities. The context is rooted in the principles of momentum and energy conservation in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the conservation of momentum to set up an equation based on the given masses and velocities. Some participants suggest incorporating the conservation of energy as a second equation for elastic collisions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the principles of conservation of momentum and energy in elastic collisions. There is a recognition of the need for a second equation to solve the problem, but no consensus on the next steps has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has provided specific values for masses and initial velocities, but the discussion does not clarify the final velocities or how to proceed with the calculations. There is an emphasis on understanding the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions.

Mushroom79
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Homework Statement



If it is eg. two balls, both going to the right before and after an elastic shock, how do you determine their velocities after the collision? (speeds before and weights are given)

Eg.

M = 50 kg
u1 = 20 m / sm = 100 kg
v1 = 10 m / s

(M, m = mass)
(u1, v1 = velocity before the collision)
(u2, v2 = velocity after collision)

Homework Equations



The law of conservation of momentum:
m*v1+M*u1= m+M*v2*u2

Momentum before = Momentum after

The Attempt at a Solution



m*v1+M*u1= m+M*v2*u2 →

100 * 10 +50 * 20 = 100 +50 * v2 * u2

How do I continue from here?
 
Last edited:
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In elastic collisions energy is also conserved , so you can set up one more equation .
 
ZxcvbnM2000 said:
In elastic collisions energy is also conserved , so you can set up one more equation .

Oh, right. Think "momentum before equals momentum after" is what you meant.
Forgot to put it there.
 
In elastic collisions :

Momentum is conserved

Energy Is conserved
In inelastic collisions:

Momentum Is conserved

Energy is not conserved

Just to be more clear :P
 

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