Confusion Over Collision: Which Formula is Correct? Urgent Help Needed!

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The discussion revolves around confusion regarding the correct formulas for calculating final velocities in collision problems. The user presents two different sets of final velocity calculations, one using a new formula and another using a relativity method, leading to conflicting results. They express concern over which answer is accurate, especially since the kinetic energy calculations differ significantly between the two methods. Additionally, the user poses a separate question about the time it takes for a metal tube to travel a certain distance after a sliding mass sticks to a magnet, seeking verification of their calculations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the context and dimensionality of collision equations.
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need urgent help

Homework Statement


Still working on the question I posted few days ago, here's the link for that question:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=164889

I kinda got confident over my answer, but I discovered another formula, and it screwed up everything.
It is:
V_{1,f} = \frac{m_{1}-m_{2}}{m_{1}+m_{2}} v_{1,i} + \frac{2 * m_{1}}{m_{1}+m_{2}} v_{2,i}
V_{2,f} = \frac{m_{1}-m_{2}}{m_{1}+m_{2}} v_{2,i} + \frac{2 * m_{1}}{m_{1}+m_{2}} v_{1,i}

Hope, I put the tex code right. Anyhow, it gives me
x_{1,f}=-4.37
x_{2,f}=10.03
y_{1,f}=7.01
y_{2,f}=4.48

But using my that previous way(that relativity method) I get
x_{1,f}=-1.20
x_{2,f}=9.40
y_{1,f}=13.20
y_{2,f}=5.85

Now, I am confused over mine(I tried that applet, but it is pretty cumbersome
to set values.

Anyhow, if anyone can tell me which answer is right?
I would be really thankful. I have this thing due tomorrow :cry:
 
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I didn't really look that closely at your relativity method, but did you convert back to the "non-relativity" frame after you found your values? Just an idea.
 
hage567 said:
I didn't really look that closely at your relativity method, but did you convert back to the "non-relativity" frame after you found your values? Just an idea.

Yes, I did.
And if I use my answers, then they give total final kinetic energy same as before the collisions.
However, the answer that that formula gives provide a different total kinetic energy(But I saw it in like two Physics books since then)
 
just one last more question

A metal tube is 2.40 m long and has a mass of 800g. It contains 200g sliding mass at its front end. There is no friction between any surface. When the sliding mass reached the end of the tube, it sticks to a magnet attached there. How long would it take the tube to travel a distance of 6.00 m, if the metal tube has an initial velocity of 6.00 m/s?

I calculated time it took before the sliding mass reached the end, and then found the distance left to cover when this happens, and find time for that distance. And, I got 1.16 s.
Anyone can check my answer?
 
oops, that was supposed to go in a new thread
 
I think those equations you posted are intended for one-dimensional collisions.
 
hage567 said:
I think those equations you posted are intended for one-dimensional collisions.

yes, the book mentions that. However, I did break the velocities into components. So, shouldn't that make the collision 1-dimensional for each axis?
 
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