Conservation of momentum with unknown angles

In summary, the conservation of momentum with unknown angles is a physical law that states that in a closed system, the total momentum of the objects before a collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, even if the angles of the objects' velocities are unknown. This differs from the traditional conservation of momentum as it takes into account the unknown angles of the objects' velocities. Real-world examples of this law include collisions between objects with unknown angles of their velocities, such as car crashes or a ball bouncing off a wall. It is applied in scientific research to analyze and predict outcomes of collisions and has limitations such as only applying to closed systems and assuming no loss of kinetic energy.
  • #1
Chrismiss
1
0

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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  • #2
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:
 

1. What is the conservation of momentum with unknown angles?

The conservation of momentum with unknown angles is a physical law that states that in a closed system, the total momentum of the objects before a collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, even if the angles of the objects' velocities are unknown.

2. How is the conservation of momentum with unknown angles different from the conservation of momentum?

The conservation of momentum with unknown angles differs from the conservation of momentum in that it takes into account the unknown angles of the objects' velocities. In the traditional conservation of momentum, the angles of the objects' velocities are known.

3. What are some real-world examples of the conservation of momentum with unknown angles?

Some examples of the conservation of momentum with unknown angles include collisions between objects where the angles of their velocities are not known, such as a car crash or a ball bouncing off a wall at an unknown angle.

4. How is the conservation of momentum with unknown angles applied in scientific research?

The conservation of momentum with unknown angles is applied in scientific research to analyze and predict the outcomes of collisions between objects with unknown angles of their velocities. This can help researchers understand the behavior of particles in various physical systems.

5. What are the limitations of the conservation of momentum with unknown angles?

The conservation of momentum with unknown angles is limited in that it only applies to closed systems, where no external forces are acting on the objects. It also assumes that there is no loss of kinetic energy during the collision, which is not always the case in real-world scenarios.

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