Elastic collision between rod and ball

AI Thread Summary
In an elastic collision between a rod and a ball, the rod is initially at rest on a frictionless surface. The key questions involve determining the axis of rotation, the angular velocity after the collision, and the center of mass velocity of the rod. There is a debate about whether the rod will rotate after the collision, with some suggesting that proving no rotation may be challenging. Participants express confusion over the repeated emphasis on rotation in the problem statement. The discussion highlights the complexities of analyzing collision dynamics in physics.
tilaib
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Homework Statement



A rod of mass M is lying on a flat frictionless surface. A small ball of mass m and
velocity v collides with the rod in the center at the rod at right angle to the rod.
The collision is elastic.


Homework Equations



a) Where is the axis of rotation for the rod after the collision?
b) What is the angular velocity around the axis of rotation after this collision?
c) What is the velocity of the center of mass of the rod after the collision?

The Attempt at a Solution



As far as I can see, there should be no rotation. But how do I show this?
 
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You might assume that there is a rotation, then in the process of calculating what the rotation would be, you might find there is none. Many proofs are done this way in that it might be hard to prove something is always true but easy to fine one example of a falsehood to disprove your original hypothesis.
 
tilaib, I agree with barryj, but it does seem strange that the question asks about rotation twice. Are you quite certain you are reading the statement of the set-up correctly?
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
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