Elastic collision in two dimensions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving an elastic collision problem involving two pucks on a frictionless surface. The first puck, with a mass of 0.35 kg, moves at 2.3 m/s and collides with a stationary 0.23 kg puck. After the collision, the first puck moves at 2.0 m/s at an angle of -32°. The key equations used are the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy, which lead to determining the velocity of the second puck post-collision by balancing momentum vectors.

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  • Understanding of momentum conservation principles
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy conservation
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  • Familiarity with basic physics equations related to collisions
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and collision theory, as well as educators looking for practical examples of momentum conservation in two dimensions.

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Homework Statement



On a frictionless surface, a 0.35 kg puck moves horizontally to the right (at an angle of 0°) and a speed of 2.3 m/s. It collides with a 0.23 kg puck that is stationary. After the collision, the puck that was initially moving has a speed of 2.0 m/s and is moving at an angle of −32°. What is the velocity of the other puck after the collision?

Homework Equations


Momentum before= momentum after
kinetic energy before= kinetic energy after
AB=AB cos (x)

The Attempt at a Solution



From Momentum before= momentum after, I got
M1=first mass
Vi1=initial velocity of the first mass
Vf1=final velocity of the first mass...and I think you get the rest
M1(Vi1-Vf1)=(M2)(Vf2)

From the kinetic energy before= kinetic energy after, i got
M1(Vi1^2-V1f^2)=(M2)(V2f^2)

Now I'm kinda lost on what to do...some advice?
 
Last edited:
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ok so you have one puck moving straight to the right initially. this has a certain momentum. this certain momentum is equal to the momentum of both of the pucks after the collision (which you already stated)

initial momentum = .35 x 2.3 = .805 to the right (0 degrees)

if you know that one will move at -32 degrees with a velocity of 2 so determine its momentum. all you have to do now is find the other momentum vector that, when added to this one, will equal .805 at 0 degrees.
 
Last edited:
i got it, thanks
 

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