Does anyone know the formula to find the angle after a collision?

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    Angle Collision Formula
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the formula to determine the angle and speed of balls after a collision, specifically in a scenario involving a 1kg ball colliding with two 5kg balls. The focus is on the theoretical aspects of momentum conservation and projectile motion.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the problem involves conservation of momentum and projectile motion.
  • One participant requests a formula rather than a numerical answer, indicating a desire for theoretical understanding.
  • Another participant questions the distinction between a formula and an answer, implying they may be the same in this context.
  • It is noted that the lack of sufficient information makes it difficult to provide a definitive formula, as the outcome depends on various factors such as the angles and speeds involved.
  • One participant discusses the theoretical implications of symmetry in the collision, suggesting that the angles of the 5kg balls will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
  • Practical considerations are raised regarding the nature of collisions, emphasizing that real-life scenarios may not conform to ideal conditions.
  • There is a request for clarification on the example provided, indicating that it may not be well-stated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the adequacy of the information provided in the example, with some agreeing that more details are needed to formulate a proper response. There is no consensus on a specific formula or approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific parameters in the example, such as the angles of collision and the timing of impacts, which affect the outcome of the analysis.

ILoveParticlePhysics
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I think it has to do with conversation of momentum and projectile motion.
 
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ILoveParticlePhysics said:
Summary:: Let's say you have a 1kg ball going 5km per hour going straight into the middle of 2 5kg balls, what will be the angle and the speed of every ball after the collision?

Note: I just want the formula not the answer for the actual summary :).

I think it has to do with conversation of momentum and projectile motion.
Is this your homework?
 
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ILoveParticlePhysics said:
Note: I just want the formula not the answer for the actual summary :).
How is "the formula" different from "the answer"?
 
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PeroK said:
Is this your homework?
No. The example was an example not homework.
 
kuruman said:
How is "the formula" different from "the answer"?
There isn't, old me said that so people wouldn't think that it is homework which it isn't.
 
Usually, the answer to problems of this sort is a formula when numbers are not given and a number if numbers are given. Here you are asking for an answer in the form of a formula. Having said all this, the only answer to your question is "It depends" because you have not given enough information. Ideally, there will be a 3-way split of the initial energy and momentum, the angles of the 5 kg balls relative to the initial direction of the 1 kg ball will be equal in magnitude, but in opposite quadrants and the speeds of the 5 kg balls will be equal. All that is deduced theoretically from symmetry. Practically, it will be a different story. In real life, you cannot expect to have a three-way collision so that all three balls are in contact for the same time interval. One collision will be completed before that other and that will skew the result. Even in ideal conditions, the statement of the problem should provide more information. The scattering angle will depend on the radii of the balls because the velocity of a target ball at rest will be in the direction of the line joining the centers of the projectile and target ball.
 
ILoveParticlePhysics said:
No. The example was an example not homework.
Where did you find the example? The reason I ask is because the example is not well stated.
 

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