Elastic collision in a pendulum

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on an elastic collision scenario involving two balls: ball A (300g) and ball B (500g), each suspended by massless strings of 0.2m. When ball A is released from a height of 0.2m, it reaches a velocity of 1.98 m/s before colliding with ball B. The challenge lies in determining the final velocities of both balls post-collision, utilizing the principles of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy. The equations p_{before} = p_{after} and KE_{before} = KE_{after} are essential for solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elastic collision principles
  • Knowledge of conservation of momentum
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations
  • Basic physics of pendulum motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations for elastic collisions in detail
  • Learn how to apply conservation of momentum in multi-body systems
  • Explore potential energy and kinetic energy transformations in pendulum systems
  • Investigate the effects of mass ratios on collision outcomes
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of elastic collisions and energy conservation in mechanical systems.

Jenez
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Hello people. New here and I've got a problem here which i would appreciate some help with.

Situation :
A ball of mass 300g is attached to a massless string of 0.2m suspended at a 90 degree angle to another ball of mass 500g held by a massless string at length 0.2m.
Imagine the ball A (0.3kg) is positioned next to ball B, which are equal except for masses. Ball A is moved in a quarter of a circle motion up 0.2m, keeping it's string straight. That is the case we are examening.
The question is, what are the maximum heights ball A and B can attain after ball A is released collides with B?

We assume that this is an insulated system, meaning 100 % conserved energy and momentum.

Through PEi + KEi = PEf + KEf We achieve the velocity 1.98 m/s right before collision with ball B.

The problem arises when the total KE for the system has to be distributed correctly between ball A and B post-collision. I've reached the point where the KEi = Va final + 5/3 Vb final

How do you go about finding either one of the velocities? I know that the V of B will be greater than V of A since B has less than double the mass of A

Appreciate your help!
 
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Use the formulas for an elastic collision.

[tex]p_{before} = p_{after}[/tex]

[tex]KE_{before} = KE_{after}[/tex]

That will give you 2 equations with 2 unknowns.
 

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