Conservation of angular momentum problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a problem involving the conservation of angular momentum in a collision between a proton and a nucleus. The proton is shot horizontally and deflected in a hyperbolic path, with the goal of proving that the distance A from another ray equals distance B above the nucleus. Participants express confusion about how to approach the problem, with some suggesting that energy conservation might also be relevant. There is uncertainty regarding the effects of external forces on angular momentum and the applicability of symmetry laws. The conversation emphasizes the need for a clear starting point to solve the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


A proton is shot horizontally at a nucleus on a cartesian plane, a distance B above the nucleus. It is deflected upwards in a hyperbolic path and its path becomes parallel to another ray out of the nucleus, distance A away from this ray. Show that A=B using conservation of angular momentum. Assume that the nucleus does not move and that the collision is perfectly elastic.


Homework Equations


Angular Momentum = Moment of Inertia x Angular Velocity


The Attempt at a Solution


I have no bloody idea where to start.
 
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I think energy would probably work too.

Try starting somewhere, otherwise our suggestions will be meaningless.
 
I can't really try, seeing as I'm completely befuddled. The proton's angular momentum in respect to any point in space isn't constant, because there's an outside bloody force. Trying to use collisions of spherical objects might work, but there's no real R of the nucleus or the proton...Do you think I should just take the cheap way out and do it with laws of symmetry?
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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