Elastic collision, 2 objects collide.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an elastic collision involving two objects, where one object is initially stationary. The original poster presents a scenario with specific masses and velocities, seeking to determine the mass of the second object after the collision.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a formula related to elastic collisions to find the mass of the second object. Some participants question the correctness of the formula used and the assumptions made regarding the velocities involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's approach, with some providing feedback on the formula and its application. There is a focus on clarifying the meaning of variables and ensuring the correct interpretation of the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential misunderstandings regarding the formula used and the values substituted, as well as the need for clarity on the definitions of the variables involved.

IDKPhysics101
Messages
31
Reaction score
0
Object 1 has a mass of 9.4 kg and is moving eastward with a velocity of 15.3 m/s. It collides with a stationary object. After the collision object 1 recoils with a velocity of -5.3 m/s What is the mass (in kg) of object 2?

m2=35.9kg?

I don't have time to type my work right now. But will show work if answer is wrong to see where i went wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It is wrong.

ehild
 
i used the equation v2=(2m1/m1+m2)vo1 - (m1-m2/m1+m2)vo2
 
You missed some parenteses in the formula. It is wrong without them.

Do you know the meaning of the letters in that formula? What numbers did you plug in?

ehild
 
i think i screwed up getting m2 by itself but i had plugged my numbers in as...

-5.3=((2*9.4)/(9.4+m2))*(15.3)-0
 
-5.3 is the velocity of the object 1. You do not know v2.

ehild
 

Similar threads

Question about two elastic collision formulas
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Collision between snooker balls
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Physics Help with elastic collision
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Complex collision with masses and Velcro
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Ambiguous question on momentum and how it works...
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Speed of charged balls after collision
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Elastic Collision and Momentum of Ice Skaters
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Elastic collision of block on block
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
A bullet collides perfectly elastically with one end of a rod
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
2-D Momentum Problem -- Elastic collision of two spheres
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K