Conservation of momentum of collision

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the conservation of momentum during a collision between two objects of significantly different masses. The smaller mass m, moving at speed v1, collides with a much larger mass M, moving at speed U1 in the opposite direction. After the collision, the smaller mass moves at speed v2, while the larger mass moves at speed U2, both in the same direction. The correct momentum conservation equation is presented as Mu1 - mv1 = Mu2 + mv2. The original poster expresses gratitude for clarifying a mistake in their textbook.
sander2798
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Hey everyone,

I have a little physics space problem I can't manage to solve, so I hoped someone would be able to help me here.

This is the problem:
We have an object with mass m and speed v1 approaching an other object with mass M and speed U1. The two objects are moving in opposite direction directly towards each other. After the collision the objects are moving with the following speeds in the same direction, because mass M is a million times bigger than m and therefore only get's slowed down. Mass m1 with speed v2, and mass M with speed U2. What is the equation for the conservation of momentum for this collision?

Does anyone know the answer on this? I'd be really thankful if anyone is able to help me.

Sander.
 
Last edited:
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sander2798 said:
Hey everyone,

I have a little physics space problem I can't manage to solve, so I hoped someone would be able to help me here.

This is the problem:
We have an object with mass m and speed v1 approaching an other object with mass M and speed U1. The two objects are moving in opposite direction directly towards each other. After the collision the objects are moving with the following speeds in the same direction, because mass M is a million times bigger than m and therefore only get's slowed down. Mass m1 with speed v2, and mass M with speed U2. What is the equation for the conservation of momentum for this collision?

Does anyone know the answer on this? I'd be really thankful if anyone is able to help me.

Sander.

Mu1-mv1 = Mu2+mv2
 
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virgil1612 said:
Mu1-mv1 = Mu2+mv2
Thanks a lot, appearantly there was a mistake in my book, thanks.
 

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