Center of mass oblique collisions

AI Thread Summary
The statement regarding oblique collisions, which claims that "the scattering angle of the first particle in the laboratory frame is half of the scattering angle in the center of mass frame," is not universally true. It holds only under specific conditions, namely when the colliding masses are equal and the collisions are elastic. In other scenarios, the relationship between the angles can differ significantly. Understanding the nuances of center of mass and laboratory frames is crucial for accurate analysis in collision physics. Therefore, this statement should be applied with caution and within its defined parameters.
jophys
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi,

in terms of oblique collisions, COM frames and laboratory frames, is this statements ALWAYS true?

"The scattering angle of the first particle in the laboratory frame is half of the scattering angle in the center of mass frame."

Please elaborate if you know, thanks in advance!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
I
jophys said:
Hi,

in terms of oblique collisions, COM frames and laboratory frames, is this statements ALWAYS true?

"The scattering angle of the first particle in the laboratory frame is half of the scattering angle in the center of mass frame."

Please elaborate if you know, thanks in advance!
Hi Jophys - welcome to PF!

This is a special case. It would be true only if the colliding masses are equal and the collisions are elastic.

AM
 

Thread '1:1 versus 2:1 Mechanical Advantage debate'

The rope is tied into the person (the load of 200 pounds) and the rope goes up from the person to a fixed pulley and back down to his hands. He hauls the rope to suspend himself in the air. What is the mechanical advantage of the system? The person will indeed only have to lift half of his body weight (roughly 100 pounds) because he now lessened the load by that same amount. This APPEARS to be a 2:1 because he can hold himself with half the force, but my question is: is that mechanical...
View full post »

Thread 'Newton's first law?'

Some physics textbook writer told me that Newton's first law applies only on bodies that feel no interactions at all. He said that if a body is on rest or moves in constant velocity, there is no external force acting on it. But I have heard another form of the law that says the net force acting on a body must be zero. This means there is interactions involved after all. So which one is correct?
View full post »
Thread 'Beam on an inclined plane'

Thread 'Beam on an inclined plane'

Hello! I have a question regarding a beam on an inclined plane. I was considering a beam resting on two supports attached to an inclined plane. I was almost sure that the lower support must be more loaded. My imagination about this problem is shown in the picture below. Here is how I wrote the condition of equilibrium forces: $$ \begin{cases} F_{g\parallel}=F_{t1}+F_{t2}, \\ F_{g\perp}=F_{r1}+F_{r2} \end{cases}. $$ On the other hand...
View full post »

Similar threads

Convert to Center of Mass Reference Frame
Replies
9
Views
1K
B Understanding Physics for Coding Collision of 2 Balls
Replies
14
Views
3K
I Solving a momentum problem where masses change after the collision
Replies
35
Views
3K
B Does a body behave as a point mass even at rest?
Replies
38
Views
3K
I Question about a Rotating system with mass moving inwards
Replies
19
Views
2K
Calculate the speed and angle of the center of mass before a collision
Replies
3
Views
844
Dumbell collision, COM and rotational motion
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Work Done/Energy Transferred in One Dimensional Collision
Replies
5
Views
2K
B Does gas expanding in a container cause displacement of the container?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Why Measure the Center of Mass from the Same Position After a Collision?
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top