Conservation of linear momentum collision

In summary, an object of mass 2.0 kg and initial velocity of 3.0 m/s strikes an object of mass 1.0 kg at rest. After the collision, the 2.0 kg object has a velocity of 1.5 m/s at an angle of 30 degrees from its initial direction of motion. Using the conservation of momentum equation, the final velocity of the 1.0 kg object can be calculated to be 3.4 m/s.
  • #1
_buddha
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Homework Statement


A 2.0 kg object moving along the x-axis at 3.0 m/s strikes a 1.0 kg object initially at rest. Immediately after the collision, the 2.0 kg object has a velocity of 1.5 m/s directed 30 degree from its initial direction of motion. What is the x-component of the veolcity of the 1.0 kg object just after the collision?


Homework Equations


pi = pf


The Attempt at a Solution


m1v1i + 0 = m1v1f + m2v2f
2(3) = 2(1.5cos30) + (1)vf
vf = 2.4 m/s

thats what i get, but the answer is 3.4 m/s. What am i doing wrong here?
 
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  • #2
You are doing it correctly, calculate the vf again from your last equation it is coming out to be 3.4m/s. vf= 2(3)-2(1.5*[tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]/2) = 6 - 2.6 = 3.4
 

What is conservation of linear momentum in a collision?

Conservation of linear momentum in a collision refers to the principle that the total momentum of a system remains constant before and after a collision. This means that the total mass and velocity of the objects involved in the collision do not change, but instead, they are redistributed between the objects.

How is the conservation of linear momentum applied in a collision?

In a collision, the total momentum of the system is calculated before and after the collision. The sum of the momenta before the collision should be equal to the sum of the momenta after the collision, according to the law of conservation of linear momentum. This allows us to calculate the velocities of the objects involved in the collision.

What are the types of collisions where conservation of linear momentum applies?

The conservation of linear momentum applies to all types of collisions, including elastic, inelastic, and completely inelastic collisions. In elastic collisions, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved, while in inelastic and completely inelastic collisions, only momentum is conserved.

Why is conservation of linear momentum important in collisions?

Conservation of linear momentum is important because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of objects in collisions. It allows us to determine the velocities of the objects involved and can also be used to calculate other important quantities, such as force and energy.

Are there any real-life examples of the conservation of linear momentum in collisions?

Yes, there are many real-life examples of the conservation of linear momentum in collisions. Some examples include car crashes, billiard balls colliding, and the impact of a bat on a baseball. These collisions follow the principle of conservation of linear momentum, where the total momentum of the system remains constant before and after the collision.

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