Do Balls X and Y Conserve Momentum and Energy in an Elastic Collision?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Herzbog
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Balls Momentum
AI Thread Summary
In an elastic collision between two balls X and Y, the conservation of momentum and energy principles apply, indicating that the total speed before and after the collision remains constant. The discussion revolves around determining the correct equation representing this relationship, with participants suggesting that Ux - Uy = -Vx + Vy is the appropriate formulation. The reasoning emphasizes treating velocities as positive numbers and considering their directional signs. The consensus highlights that in elastic collisions, the overall speeds are equivalent before and after the event. Understanding these principles is crucial for analyzing elastic collisions in physics.
Herzbog
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Two balls X and Y collide elastically. Their speeds before and after collision are as shown.
Before

After
Which of the following equations is correct?

A Ux +Uy = Vx +Vy
B Ux +Uy = Vx - Vy
C Ux - Uy = Vx +Vy
D Ux - Uy = Vx - Vy
 

Attachments

  • 123.png
    123.png
    7.1 KB · Views: 490
Physics news on Phys.org
the picture is attached
 
What do you think? What can you say about elastic collision?
 
Ux- Uy = -Vx+Vy

Ux- Uy = -Vx+Vy
I think this is the right equation.
 
Why? What's your reasoning? What physics principle or result are you appealing to? (Hint: The directions of the velocities are given; Treat the U's and V's as positive numbers.)
 
The conservation of momentum.
It is elastic collision. Overall speeds are equivalent before and after the collision.
 
Let the direction of Ux be positive and thus that of Vx is negative.
 
Herzbog said:
The conservation of momentum.
It is elastic collision.
Good.
Overall speeds are equivalent before and after the collision.
I don't know what this means. Hint: Conservation of momentum and energy leads to a very specific conclusion about velocities before and after the collision.

Herzbog said:
Let the direction of Ux be positive and thus that of Vx is negative.
OK.
 
Back
Top