Conservation of linear momentum particle accelerator

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a particle accelerator experiment where protons collide with an unknown element, prompting questions about the conservation of linear momentum. The user seeks to determine the mass of one nucleus of the unknown element in relation to the proton mass and the speed of the nucleus post-collision. They express uncertainty in their calculations and approach, particularly regarding the initial conditions and algebraic manipulations needed to solve the problem. Previous threads are referenced for guidance, but the user finds it challenging to apply the suggestions effectively. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding momentum conservation in elastic collisions for solving such physics problems.
MissEuropa
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Homework Statement



You are at the controls of a particle accelerator, sending a beam of 3.60×10^7 protons (mass m ) at a gas target of an unknown element. Your detector tells you that some protons bounce straight back after a collision with one of the nuclei of the unknown element. All such protons rebound with a speed of 3.30×10^7 . Assume that the initial speed of the target nucleus is negligible and the collision is elastic.
a)Find the mass of one nucleus of the unknown element. Express your answer in terms of the proton mass m.
b)What is the speed of the unknown nucleus immediately after such a collision?
This portion I've calculated to be 3.00x10^6.

Homework Equations



Conservation of linear momentum

The Attempt at a Solution



I've done research to try and find out how to approach this problem. There's a similar thread from a couple of years ago located here https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=145536 that has different values.

I am not entirely sure where to begin, and am having trouble sorting through the suggestions listed in the old thread. I know I'll have to use conservation of linear momentum. My algebra skills are rusty, (public school sucks) so solving for variables is a struggle for me.

From the problem I know Vo (Initial velocity) = 0
And the mass is k (a constant) followed by m.
 
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"sending a beam of 3.60×10^7 protons"

Are you sure that this isn't a velocity?
 
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