Calculating the Angle for a Collision of Two Particles

AI Thread Summary
To determine the angle θ for a collision between two particles, the equations of motion for both particles must be established. Particle A moves at a constant velocity along the line y = 29 m, while Particle B accelerates from the origin with a constant acceleration of 0.42 m/s². The positions of both particles as functions of time need to be expressed using the provided kinematic equations. The collision condition requires that the x and y coordinates of both particles be equal at the same time, allowing for the elimination of the time variable to solve for the angle θ. Ultimately, the correct calculations will yield the necessary angle for a collision to occur.
AnnaSuxCalc
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Homework Statement



Particle A moves along the line y = 29 m with a constant velocity of magnitude 2.8 m/s and directed parallel to the x axis. At the instant particle A passes the y axis, particle B leaves the origin with zero initial speed and constant acceleration of magnitude 0.42 m/s2. What angle θ between and the positive direction of the y-axis would result in a collision?

Homework Equations



x = x0 + v0xt + 1/2 (axt2)

y = y0 + v0yt + 1/2 (ayt2)

Particle A
y = 29
vx = 2.8
y0 = 29
a = 0

Particle B
v0 = 0
a = 0.42
y0 = 0
x0 = 0
 

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AnnaSuxCalc said:

Homework Statement



Particle A moves along the line y = 29 m with a constant velocity of magnitude 2.8 m/s and directed parallel to the x axis. At the instant particle A passes the y axis, particle B leaves the origin with zero initial speed and constant acceleration of magnitude 0.42 m/s2. What angle θ between and the positive direction of the y-axis would result in a collision?


Homework Equations



x = x0 + v0xt + 1/2 (axt2)

y = y0 + v0yt + 1/2 (ayt2)

Particle A
y = 29
vx = 2.8
y0 = 29
a = 0

Particle B
v0 = 0
a = 0.42
y0 = 0
x0 = 0

PLEASE HELP I've been stuck on this question for DAYS!
 
You need to come up with equations giving the x and y positions of A and B as functions of time.

Use the equations you have to get expressions of xa(t),ya(t),xb(t), and yb(t).

Then, what conditions do you need for the two projectiles to collide? You can use these conditions to eliminate the parameter t and solve for theta.
 
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