Elastic Collision and final speed

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving an elastic collision problem involving two masses, where mass one (2.40 kg) initially moves at 5.70 m/s and mass two (2.20 kg) is at rest. The goal is to determine the final speed of mass one after the collision at an angle of 31 degrees, as well as the angle phi for mass two's velocity and its final speed. Key equations include conservation of mechanical energy and momentum in both x and y directions. The user expresses confusion over finding v1f and attempts to manipulate the equations without success. Guidance is sought to clarify the calculations needed to solve for the final speeds and angles.
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Homework Statement



a) Initially, mass one (2.40 kg) has a velocity of 5.70 m/s and mass two (2.20 kg) is at rest. After they collide, mass one emerges at an angle theta = 31.0 degrees. What is the speed of mass one after the collision if the collision is completely elastic? (Note, there are actually two possible answers two this problem, choose the solution which has m1 going as fast as possible.)

b) What is the angle phi, between mass two's velocity and the initial velocity of mass one? (Give your answer as a positive number in degrees.)

c)What is the final speed of mass two after the collision?

m1= 2.40kg
v1i= 5.70m/s
m2 = 2.2kg
theta1= 30 deg
v1f= ??
theta 2 = ??
v2f = ??

Homework Equations



Because it's elastic,

mechanical energy is conserved.
1/2 m1(v1i)^2 = 1/2m1(v1f)^2 + 1/2m2(v2f)^2

Momentum is conserved
for x direction: m1v1i= m1v1f cos(theta1) + m2v2f(theta2)
for y direction: m1v1i= m1v1f sin(theta1) + m2v2f(theta2) = 0

tan (theta2) = (v1f* sin (theta1))/(v1i - v1f * cos (theta1))

The Attempt at a Solution



In all honesty, I'm a little thrown off because I don't know what v1f is.
 
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I tried dividing the xdirection equation with ydirection equation and then getting 1 = tan (theta1) + tan(theta2)...but it didn't work... I need help... or a little guidance.
 
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