You don't need calculus. Simple algebra. Just solve for v2.Originally posted by marshall4
If i have the equation
m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1' + m2v2'
would i have to use any calulus to find either velocity of the second object?
What is that the equation for? Is it inelastic collisions?
Originally posted by pmb
You don't need calculus. Simple algebra. Just solve for v2.
This is the equation for conservation of momentum. It holds in both elastic and inelastic collisions. It's also valid in relativity if the m's are what some people call 'relativistic mass.' In such cases the m's are conserved. I.e. the sum of the m's before the collision is the sum of the m's after the collision.
Pete
Originally posted by marshall4
Doesn't the ' mean prime?
What is the ' there for?
What is the equation for completely inelastic collisions?
An inelastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is not conserved, meaning that the total energy of the system before and after the collision is not the same. In this type of collision, some of the kinetic energy is lost due to the formation of internal forces and deformation of the colliding bodies.
This equation is known as the conservation of momentum equation and is used to solve inelastic collisions. It states that the total momentum of the system before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. By plugging in the known values for mass and velocity before and after the collision, we can solve for the unknown velocities.
An elastic collision is a type of collision where kinetic energy is conserved, meaning that the total energy of the system before and after the collision is the same. In an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is lost due to the formation of internal forces and deformation of the colliding bodies, while in an elastic collision, there is no loss of kinetic energy.
No, this equation can only be used for inelastic collisions. For elastic collisions, the equation m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1' + m2v2' is used, which takes into account the conservation of both momentum and kinetic energy.
Some common examples of inelastic collisions include a car accident, a ball hitting the ground and bouncing, or a person catching a ball. In all of these cases, some of the kinetic energy is lost due to the formation of internal forces and deformation of the colliding bodies.