Conservation of momentum with unknown angles

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a conservation of momentum problem involving two masses with unknown angles. The equations provided relate the initial and final velocities of the masses, incorporating trigonometric functions for the angles α and β. The user has attempted substitution and combining equations but encountered difficulties, leading to the cancellation of coefficients. A suggestion was made to square the equations to find a solution for the angles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of manipulating the equations effectively to solve for the unknowns.
Chrismiss
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Homework Statement


Ma=2900kg Mb=730kg Va1=11m/s Va2=9m/s Vb1=30m/s Vb2=32.54m/s
∅=49.14

Homework Equations


(2900kg)(49.14)+(730kg)(30m/s*cos(25))=2900kg(9m/s)(cos(α))+730kg(32.54m/s)cos(β)

and
(2900kg)(11m/s)+730kg(30m/s*sin(25))=2900kg(9m/s)sin(α)+730kg(32.54m/s)sin(β)


The Attempt at a Solution


I have tried substitution by solving for cosα and also by combining the two equations which end up cancelling both coefficients

Homework Statement



I need to solve for both alpha and beta given the two equations

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Chrismiss! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(btw, you don't need to put brackets round those angles, unless your professor tells you to :wink:)

Let's see … you have

Acosα + Bcosβ = C

Asinα + Bsinβ = D​

… have you tried squaring? :smile:
 

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