Deriving Final Equation from Equations 1 & 2

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In summary, the conversation discusses the steps to derive a final equation from two given equations. The first step is to rearrange the second equation in terms of m1 and substitute it into the first equation. Then, using algebraic simplification and recognizing a key relationship, the final equation can be derived. The conversation concludes with a tip to avoid expanding all brackets and instead cancel them down after recognizing a certain relationship.
  • #1
caligyrl4lyfe
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HI I need help with the steps in between? I am totally confused...

So, how to derive the final equation from equation 1 and 2


m1v1i+m2v2i=m1v1+m2v2f (Equation 1)

1/2m1V1i^2+1/2m2v2i^2=1/2m1v1f^2+1/2m2v2f^2 (Equation 2)

v1i-v2i= -(V1f-v2f) ( Final Equation)
 
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  • #2
ok it does work out just abit of algebra

First off what i did was rearrange your 2nd equation in terms of m1

Substitute m1 into your first equation and simplify down

you will end up with something like v1f(v2f^2-v2i^2)+v2i(v1i^2-v1f^2)=something

now you have to realize that (v2f^2 - v2i^2) = (v2f - v2i)(v2f + v2i)

More simplification from there and than you are done

(Tip don't expand all the brackets out it will drive you nuts, rather cancel them down after recognizing that "now you have to realize that (v2f^2 - v2i^2) = (v2f - v2i)(v2f + v2i)"

Thus from that you should get what are looking for

Cheers Trent
 
  • #3


To derive the final equation, we need to start by rearranging Equation 1 and 2 to solve for the final velocities (v1f and v2f).

For Equation 1, we can rearrange it as:

m1v1f = m1v1i + m2v2i - m2v2f

Then, we can substitute this into Equation 2 for v1f:

1/2m1V1i^2+1/2m2v2i^2=1/2(m1v1i + m2v2i - m2v2f)^2+1/2m2v2f^2

Expanding and simplifying, we get:

1/2m1V1i^2+1/2m2v2i^2=1/2(m1^2v1i^2 + 2m1m2v1iv2i + m2^2v2i^2 - 2m1m2v1if + m2^2v2f^2) + 1/2m2v2f^2

We can then combine like terms and solve for v2f:

1/2m1V1i^2+1/2m2v2i^2=1/2(m1^2v1i^2 + 2m1m2v1iv2i + m2^2v2i^2 + m2^2v2f^2) - m1m2v1if

1/2m1V1i^2+1/2m2v2i^2=1/2(m1^2v1i^2 + m2^2v2i^2 + 2m1m2v1iv2f + m2^2v2f^2)

m1m2v1if = 1/2m1V1i^2 + 1/2m2v2i^2 - 1/2(m1^2v1i^2 + m2^2v2i^2 + 2m1m2v1iv2f + m2^2v2f^2)

v1if = (1/2m1V1i^2 + 1
 

1. What is the process of deriving the final equation from two given equations?

The process of deriving the final equation from two given equations involves manipulating the equations algebraically to eliminate one variable and solve for the remaining variable. This is usually done by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing the equations in a way that will cancel out one of the variables.

2. Can the final equation be derived if the two equations have different variables?

Yes, the final equation can still be derived even if the two equations have different variables. As long as there is a common variable between the two equations, it can be eliminated using algebraic manipulation to obtain the final equation.

3. Is there a specific order in which the equations should be manipulated to derive the final equation?

There is no specific order in which the equations should be manipulated. However, it is important to keep track of the operations used and to ensure that the equations are being manipulated in a way that will ultimately eliminate one variable and solve for the remaining variable.

4. Can the final equation be verified using the two original equations?

Yes, the final equation can be verified by substituting the values of the variables from the original equations into the final equation. If the equation holds true, then it is a valid solution.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when deriving the final equation from two equations?

Some common mistakes to avoid include not keeping track of the operations used, not simplifying the equations before combining them, and making sign errors. It is important to double check all steps and calculations to ensure a correct final equation.

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