Conservation of Momentum - Elastic Collision

In summary, conservation of momentum in an elastic collision states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant before and after the collision. In an elastic collision, momentum is conserved through the exchange of momentum between the colliding objects. The difference between an elastic collision and an inelastic collision is that inelastic collisions involve a loss of kinetic energy and sometimes a transfer of momentum, resulting in a change in shape or structure. While most real-world collisions are not perfectly elastic, the principles of conservation of momentum are used in various fields, such as sports, engineering, and astrophysics.
  • #1
rocapp
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Homework Statement


A curling stone with a mass of 20kg slides across the ice at 1.5m/s. It collides head on with a stationary 0.16kg hockey puck. After the collision, the puck's speed is 2.5m/s. Assume the motion occurs in the horizontal direction. What is the stone's final velocity? Follow the steps below to answer the question.


Homework Equations


P=mv
Pi=Pf



The Attempt at a Solution


mstonevixstone + mpuckvixpuck = mstonevfxstone + mpuckvfxpuck

20*1.5 + .16*0 = 20vfxstone + .16*2.5
vfxstone = 1.48 m/s
 
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  • #2
Looks okay to me. What's your question?
 
  • #3
Haha. Well if it's correct, I suppose I have none. Thanks!
 

Related to Conservation of Momentum - Elastic Collision

1. What is conservation of momentum in an elastic collision?

Conservation of momentum in an elastic collision refers to the principle that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant before and after the collision. This means that the total momentum of all objects involved in the collision remains the same, regardless of any changes in their individual momentums.

2. How is momentum conserved in an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, momentum is conserved through the exchange of momentum between the colliding objects. This means that the total momentum of all objects involved before the collision is equal to the total momentum of all objects after the collision. This can be seen through the use of equations, such as the conservation of momentum equation: m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1' + m2v2', where m is mass and v is velocity.

3. What is the difference between an elastic collision and an inelastic collision?

In an elastic collision, both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. This means that the objects involved in the collision will not experience any permanent changes in their shape or structure. In contrast, an inelastic collision involves a loss of kinetic energy, and sometimes even a transfer of momentum, resulting in a change in shape or structure of one or more of the objects involved.

4. Are all collisions in the real world perfectly elastic?

No, most collisions in the real world are not perfectly elastic. This is because there are usually other forces, such as friction or air resistance, that act upon the objects involved and cause a loss of kinetic energy. However, some collisions, such as those between subatomic particles, can be considered nearly elastic as they experience very little loss of kinetic energy.

5. How is conservation of momentum used in real-life situations?

Conservation of momentum is used in many real-life situations, such as in sports like pool or billiards, where players use the principles of momentum to predict the trajectory of the ball after it collides with another ball. It is also used in engineering and transportation, where the conservation of momentum is essential for designing safe and efficient transportation systems, such as cars and airplanes. Additionally, understanding the conservation of momentum is crucial in fields like astrophysics, where it is used to explain the movement and interactions of celestial bodies.

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