Can We Predict Elastic Collision Outcomes Knowing λ, v, and m1/m2?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on predicting the outcomes of elastic collisions when given specific parameters, including mass ratios and initial velocities. When two particles with mass ratio m1/m2 = 3/5 collide at an angle of 60°, the resulting angles are 60° and 30°, with speeds of 2 m/s and 3.46 m/s, respectively. The analysis confirms that it is possible to determine these outcomes using the initial velocity of m1 (4 m/s along the X-axis) and the mass ratio, simplifying the calculations by breaking the motion into X-Y components.

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simpatico
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Homework Statement


if m1 and m2 (m1= m2, (vm1 = 4m/s)) collide at an angle λ (60°) we can fully predict oucome:
angles (60° and 30°) and speeds (2 and 3.46)

can we predict the outcome if we know that m1/m2 = 3/ 5 ?
 
Last edited:
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simpatico said:

Homework Statement


if m1 and m2 (m1= m2, (vm1 = 4m/s)) collide at an angle λ (60°) we can fully predict oucome:
angles (60° and 30°) and speeds (2 and 3.46)

can we predict the outcome if we know that m1/m2 = 3/ 5 ?

we can break the motion into X-Y axis.
for this let particle 1 is coming along +Y axis so particle 2 2ill be at 60 degree from it.
 
cupid.callin said:
let particle 1 is coming along +Y axis
so particle 2 2ill be at 60 degree from it.

If I got it right: it is possible.!

(I know it makes things easier to consider m1 as moving on one axis.I prefer +X)

I asked because in all sites they said
'if you know what is v'1 or v'2 you can calc all other data'
while I knew that it is very easy and simple and quick to get all data
knowing only

v(m1) = 4 m/s (along the X-axis)
m1/ m2 = 3/5 ( m1), angle 60°

Thank you sir!
 
Last edited:

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