Conservation of Momentum in Two Dimensions involving a barge collision

In summary, a barge with a mass of 1.50 X 10^5 kg and moving at 6.2 m/s collides with a barge of mass 2.78 X 10^5 kg and initial speed of 4.3 m/s. After the collision, the second barge is deflected by 18 degrees in the downriver direction and its speed increases to 5.1 m/s. The river current is approximately zero. To find the speed and direction of the first barge after the collision, we can use the formula for conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum before and after a collision must be equal. In this case, the total momentum before the collision is equal
  • #1
physics newb
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A barge with mass 1.50 X 10^5 kg is proceeding downriver at 6.2 m/s in heavy fog when it collides with a barge heading directly across the river (see the poorly drawn image, in link)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v638/ravenatic20/untitled4.jpg ...
The second barge has mass 2.78 X 10^5 kg and before the collision is moving at 4.3 m/s. Immediately after impact, the second barge finds its course deflected by 18 degrees in the downriver direction, and its speed increased to 5.1 m/s.

The river current is approximately zero at the time of the accident. What are the speed and direction of motion of the first barge immediately after the collision? What formulas did you use to solve this, and how did you solve it? In other words, explain how you came to your answer.

Any help would be great!
 
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  • #2
First, this is a physics problem, not a math problem so I'm moving it. Second, I see no indication at all of what you have done or tried on this problem yourself.
 
  • #3
No, I haven't. That's why I'm here. What do I do?
 

1. What is conservation of momentum in two dimensions?

Conservation of momentum in two dimensions is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total momentum of a system remains constant in the absence of external forces. In other words, in a closed system, the total momentum before and after a collision will be the same.

2. How is conservation of momentum applied in a barge collision?

In a barge collision, the total momentum of the two barges before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. This means that the combined mass and velocity of the barges will remain constant, despite the collision.

3. What factors affect the conservation of momentum in a barge collision?

The mass and velocity of the two barges are the main factors that affect the conservation of momentum in a barge collision. The direction and angle of the collision can also play a role in determining the final momentum of the system.

4. How is the conservation of momentum equation used in analyzing a barge collision?

The conservation of momentum equation, which states that the total momentum before and after a collision is equal, can be used to calculate the final velocity of the barges after the collision. This can help determine the severity of the collision and potential damage caused.

5. Why is conservation of momentum important in understanding barge collisions?

Understanding conservation of momentum in barge collisions can help analyze the forces at play and determine the potential outcome of a collision. It also allows for the calculation of the final velocity of the barges, which can be crucial in preventing future collisions and ensuring the safety of those on board.

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