Elastic collision in center of mass frame

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing an elastic collision between a baseball and a bat in a one-dimensional center of mass (CM) frame. The Coefficient of Restitution (C) is introduced as a key factor, with values ranging from 0 (completely inelastic) to 1 (perfectly elastic). The participants derive the final speed of the baseball after the collision using the formula for velocities in the CM frame, ultimately calculating a final speed of 30.76 m/s for an elastic collision scenario (C = 1). The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying the CM reference frame to solve collision problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Coefficient of Restitution (C)
  • Familiarity with center of mass calculations
  • Basic knowledge of one-dimensional motion and collisions
  • Ability to perform algebraic manipulations and derive formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of elastic and inelastic collisions in physics
  • Learn how to calculate velocities in the center of mass frame
  • Explore the implications of the Coefficient of Restitution on kinetic energy
  • Practice solving collision problems with varying values of C
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding collision dynamics and the mathematical principles behind elastic and inelastic collisions.

TwinGemini14
Messages
31
Reaction score
0
In this problem we will examine the collision between a baseball (the cowhide) and a bat (the ash). We assume a one-dimensional problem. That is, the bat hits the ball squarely, so that the ball reverses its direction after the collision. We also assume that the ball hits the bat at the center of mass of the bat. As you will learn later in the course, this means that we can ignore any effects due to the rotational motion of the bat.

The collision between the bat and ball is not an elastic collision. Instead it is characterized by a quantity known as the Coefficient of Restitution, which we shall denote in the problem by the symbol C. C is defined as follows. Suppose two objects collide. Let v*i and v*f be the speed of one of the objects in the Center of Mass (CM) system before and after the collision, respectively. Then


C = v*f/v*i
This means that C2 is the ratio of kinetic energy in the CM system after the collision to that before the collision. We know that for an elastic collision (see Lecture 15), the kinetic energy is conserved, so that C = 1 for perfectly elastic collisions. For a completely inelastic collision, C = 0.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following are three nearly identical problems that only differ in the value of C. In each case, the baseball has mass m = 5 oz and an initial speed v0 = 82 mph and the bat has mass M = 32 oz and an initial speed v1 = 78 mph. The basic problem is to find the speed of the ball after the collision, vf, for different values of C. You will probably find it useful to derive a general algebraic formula that relates vf to C and the various quantities given. Then you only have to plug into that formula the different values of C given below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A) Find vf when C = 1, i.e., for an unrealistic elastic collision.


1. So we first determine the velocity at the center of mass:

Vcm = ((m1v1+m2v2)/(m1+m2)) = (((5*-82)+(32*78))/(5+32)) = 56.38 m/s

2. Then we calculate the initial velocities in the center of mass reference frame:

v* = v-Vcm = 82-56.38 = 25.62 m/s

3. Next we find the final velocities in the center of mass reference frame:

v*f = -v*i = -25.62 m/s

4. Finally we calculate the final velocities in the lab reference frame:

v = v*+Vcm = -25.62+56.38 = 30.76 m/s

SO... vf = 30.76 m/s
THIS, HOWEVER IS WRONG AND I HAVE NO IDEA HOW. CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME OUT?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Never mind guys... I figured it out. Sorry about that.
 
Im stuck on the same problem, doing the same thing. What did you do wrong?
 

Similar threads

Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
335
Views
16K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K