Collisions and changing frame of reference?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around a perfectly elastic collision between a 6.0 kg trolley moving at 6.0 m/s and a 2.0 kg trolley moving at 2.0 m/s. The correct post-collision speeds are determined using the equations V1' = v1 (m1 - m2) / (m1 + m2) and V2f = 2*m1*v1 / (m1+m2), yielding speeds of 4.0 m/s for the 6.0 kg trolley and 8.0 m/s for the 2.0 kg trolley. The concept of changing the frame of reference is suggested as a potential explanation for discrepancies in calculations. The maximum potential energy stored in the bumper during the collision remains to be calculated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the principles of elastic collisions
  • Knowledge of momentum conservation
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of elastic and inelastic collisions in detail
  • Learn about frame of reference transformations in physics
  • Explore potential energy calculations in elastic collisions
  • Practice solving collision problems using conservation of momentum
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and collision theory, as well as educators looking for examples of elastic collisions and frame of reference concepts.

twenty5
Messages
93
Reaction score
0
collisions and "changing frame of reference?"

Homework Statement


A 6.0Kg trolley moving at 6.0 m/s right overtakes and collies with a 2kg trolley moving 2m/s right in the same direction on the same track. The collision is cushioned by a perfectly elastic bumper attached to one of the trolleys.

A) what is the speed and direction of each trolley after the collision?

B) What is the maximum amount of potential energy stored in the bumper during the collision?

Homework Equations


V1' = v1 (m1 - m2) / ( m1 + m2 )

V2f = 2*m1v1 / (m1+m2)

The Attempt at a Solution



for A) I tried that by substituting in values from the question and It gave me 3m/s and 9m/s... yet the answer says 4m/s and 8 m/s... am I doing anything wrong? =/

**my friend said something about change frame of reference...**

didn't start B yet because I didn't get A yet =/
 
Physics news on Phys.org


help please...
 

Similar threads

Elastic head-on collision problem
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Elastic Collision in Two Reference Frames
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Zero momentum reference frame and an inelastic collision
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Collision problem: Two hockey pucks collide and stick together....
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Momentum with Two Carts on a Low-Friction Track
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Conservation of momentum - with understanding
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Kinetic energy and momentum in an elastic collision
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Momentum and Inertial Reference Frame
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Frame of reference/ time dilation
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Two manned satellites approaching one another
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K