Determining Final Velocity in 2-Dimensional Collision Problem

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In a 2-dimensional collision problem, a neutron collides with a stationary helium nucleus, and the final velocity of the neutron needs to be determined. The initial velocities were converted from km/s to m/s for accurate calculations. The user initially calculated the neutron's final velocity incorrectly, leading to confusion over whether the answer should be in km/s or m/s. It was pointed out that the masses of the particles were not considered in the initial calculations, which contributed to the error. After correcting the approach, the final velocity of the neutron was found to be 1.9 km/s.
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Homework Statement


A neutron of mass 1.7 X 10^-27 kg traveling at 2.2 km/s, hits a stationary helium nucleus of mass 6.6 X 10^-27 kg. After the collision, the velocity of the helium nucleus is 0.53 km/s at 52° to the original direction of motion of the neutron. Determine the final velocity of the neutron.


Homework Equations



pi1x+pi2x=pf1x+pf2x
pi1y+pi2y=pf1y+pf2y

The Attempt at a Solution



I changed all the km/s to m/s since the answer is in m/s

(1.7X10^-27(2200)-6.6X10^-27(530cos52))/1.7X10^-27=vficos∅
933.18m/s=vficos∅

Well, it does not matter what i get for the y component since the answer 1.9 m/s and 933 is just too high.
So, is the answer wrong or did i do something wrong.
 
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I think the answer you were given should have been 1.9 km/s rather than 1.9 m/s.
 
Well, I did solve it for km/s I got 1.05 km/s.
vf2y=0.53sin52
vf2y=0.418km/s
vf2x=0.933 km/s

If you use the Pythagorean theorem you get 1.05km/s
 
dnawiam said:
Well, I did solve it for km/s I got 1.05 km/s.
vf2y=0.53sin52
vf2y=0.418km/s

You did not account for the masses of the particles in this calculation.
 
TSny said:
You did not account for the masses of the particles in this calculation.

You are right. How silly of me. Well, I got 1.9 km /m for my answer. Thanks for your help.
 
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