Determine the speed of the smaller mass

  • Thread starter Gughanath
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In summary, a 2.30 kg block slides down a 30.0° incline, 3.60 m high, and collides with a 7.10 kg block at rest on a horizontal surface. Assuming an elastic collision and ignoring friction, the speed of both masses after the collision can be determined using the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy equations.
  • #1
Gughanath
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A block of mass m = 2.30 kg slides down a 30.0° incline which is 3.60 m high. At the bottom, it strikes a block of mass M = 7.10 kg which is at rest on a horizontal surface, Fig. 7-41. (Assume a smooth transition at the bottom of the incline, an elastic collision, and ignore friction.)
How can I determine the speed of the smaller mass and the greater mass after the colision. This is really confusing me :confused: . please help
 
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  • #2
In an elastic collision, momentum and kinetic energy are conserved for the system.
 
  • #3
So from this I should be able to make a simultaneous equation?
 

1. How do you calculate the speed of the smaller mass?

The speed of the smaller mass can be calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time it took to travel that distance. This is known as the average speed formula: speed = distance/time.

2. What units are used to measure the speed of the smaller mass?

The units used to measure the speed of the smaller mass are typically meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h). However, other units such as feet per second (ft/s) or miles per hour (mph) can also be used.

3. Is the speed of the smaller mass affected by the mass itself?

Yes, the speed of the smaller mass can be affected by its mass. According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, an object's acceleration is directly proportional to its mass. This means that a smaller mass will accelerate more quickly than a larger mass under the same force.

4. Can the speed of the smaller mass change during its motion?

Yes, the speed of the smaller mass can change during its motion. This can happen if there is a change in the force acting on the mass, or if there are external factors such as friction or air resistance affecting its movement.

5. How can knowing the speed of the smaller mass be useful in scientific research?

Knowing the speed of the smaller mass can be useful in a variety of scientific research. It can help us understand the motion and behavior of objects in different environments, as well as calculate the energy and forces involved in certain processes. Additionally, it can aid in the design and improvement of technologies such as transportation and sports equipment.

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