Elastic Collision, Finding Angles Between Particles

In summary, the conversation is about finding the angle between two particles after a collision, with one particle having a known mass and initial speed and the other being stationary. The velocity of the second particle after the collision can be found using conservation of energy, but conservation of momentum must also be considered in the 2D case. Additionally, the speed of the particles can be determined using energy conservation even without knowing their masses.
  • #1
Kyliticus
4
0
Hi, here's my problem.

A particle of m1 and initial speed v0 strikes a stationary particle of mass m2, and scatters at 30 degrees to its original direction with speed v0/3. Find the angle, in degrees, between the directions of the two particles after the collision.

I found that the velocity of the m2 after the collision to be 2/3v0 due to conservation of energy.

Can anyone give me ideas on how to find the contained angle? Thank you.
 
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  • #2
You need to use conservation of momentum as well. In this case you have a 2D case so write momenta along two axes (x and y) and their conservation for each axis.

How can you find the speed from energy conservation, as long as you don't know the masses?
 

1. What is an elastic collision?

An elastic collision is a type of collision between two particles or objects where the total kinetic energy is conserved. This means that the total energy before the collision is equal to the total energy after the collision.

2. How do you calculate the angle between two particles in an elastic collision?

The angle between two particles in an elastic collision can be calculated using the law of cosines. This formula takes into account the masses and velocities of the particles before and after the collision.

3. What is the difference between an elastic and inelastic collision?

In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy is conserved, whereas in an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is lost as heat or sound. In an inelastic collision, the objects may also stick together after the collision, while in an elastic collision, they bounce off each other.

4. How does the angle of collision affect the outcome of an elastic collision?

The angle of collision can affect the outcome of an elastic collision in terms of the final velocities and directions of the particles. If the angle of collision is head-on, the particles will bounce off each other with equal and opposite velocities. If the angle is oblique, the particles will have different final velocities and directions.

5. Can an elastic collision occur between more than two particles?

Yes, an elastic collision can occur between any number of particles, as long as the total kinetic energy before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. This can be more complicated to calculate, but the principle of conservation of kinetic energy still applies.

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