Conservation of momentum and energy problem (Please check if my setup is right)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conservation of momentum and energy in an elastic collision problem involving two masses, m1 and m2. The user has set up equations based on the conservation principles: momentum equations for both x and y components and an energy equation. The equations are correctly structured, with the x-momentum equation requiring a negative sign for the first term to account for direction. The user has three unknowns (theta, v2f, v1f) and three equations, indicating a solvable system.

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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


m1v1i + m2v2i = m1v1f + m2v2f (Conservation of momentum)
(1/2)m2*(v2i)^2 + (1/2)m1*(v1i)^2 = (1/2)m2*(v2f)^2 + (1/2)m1*(v1f)^2 (Conservation of energy)

The Attempt at a Solution


I separated the momentum into x and y components and got 2 equations
I used the conservation of energy (can be used since its elastic) and got another equation
-I have 3 unknowns and three equations...which gives me hope that this is solvable lol

Homework Statement


Here are my equations:
Momentum for x:
0 = m2*v2f*sin(theta) + m1*v1f*sin(75)
unknowns here: theta, v2f, v1f

Momentum for y:
m2*v2i = m2*v2f*cos(theta) + m1*v1f*cos(75)
unknowns here: theta, v2f, v1f

Conservation of energy equation:
(1/2)m2*(v2i)^2 = (1/2)m2*(v2f)^2 + (1/2)m1*(v1f)^2
unknowns here: v2f, v1fCan you guys see if these equations are right before I start using the tedious algebra involved in this.
 
Last edited:
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The x-momentum equation should have a minus sign before the first term, but other than that, your set-up looks fine.
 
oh so..
0 = -m2*v2f*sin(theta) + m1*v1f*sin(75)?
Minus sign just because it goes to the left right?
And thank you!
 
Right.
 

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