Elastic Collision and max height on an Incline

In summary, the conversation discusses the method for calculating the maximum height of a block after a head-on elastic collision on a frictionless track. The initial and final velocities of the block are determined, and the incorrect answer is addressed, suggesting a different approach using the conservation of energy.
  • #1
closer
18
0
Consider a frictionless track ABC as shown in Figure P8.23. A block of mass m1 = 8.00 kg is released from A. It makes a head-on elastic collision at B with a block having a mass of m2 = 14.0 kg that is initially at rest. Calculate the maximum height to which m1 rises after the collision.

p8-23.gif


To find the initial velocity of mass 1 right before the collision:

Ug = KE
mgh = .5mv2
gh = .5v2
(9.8)(5) = .5v2
v = 9.9

Find the final velocity of mass 1 right after the collision:

vf1 = (m1-m2/m1+m2)vi1
vf1 = (8-14/8+14)(9.9)
vf1 = -2.7

Find the height at which the mass will reach with the initial velocity 2.7:

Wnet = [tex]\Delta[/tex]KE
KE - Ug = [tex]\Delta[/tex]KE
.5mv2 - mgh = .5mvf2 - .5mvi2
.5vi2- gh = .5vf2 - .5vi2
.5(2.7) - (9.8)h = .5(0)2 - .5(2.7)2
h = .7438

Final answer is incorrect. Any ideas?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Requesting assistance!
 
  • #3
If you know the initial velocity, rather than evaluating the hight using the net work, try just changing kinetic energy to potential energy in the same way that you converted them at the beginning.

In terms of total work, you will find that your final answer turns out to be double the answer using this method.

I hope this helps a little.
 

1. What is an elastic collision?

An elastic collision is a type of collision between two objects where there is no loss of kinetic energy. In other words, the total kinetic energy of the system before and after the collision remains the same.

2. How is kinetic energy conserved in an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved because there is no external force acting on the system. The internal forces between the colliding objects are responsible for transferring energy from one object to another without any loss.

3. What is the equation for calculating the maximum height of an object on an incline after an elastic collision?

The equation for calculating the maximum height of an object on an incline after an elastic collision is h = (m*vi2)/(2*m*g*(1-cosθ)), where m is the mass of the object, vi is the initial velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the angle of the incline.

4. How does the angle of the incline affect the maximum height of an object after an elastic collision?

The angle of the incline affects the maximum height of an object after an elastic collision because it is a factor in the equation for calculating the maximum height. As the angle of the incline increases, the maximum height also increases because the object has more potential energy due to its position on the incline.

5. Are there any real-life examples of elastic collisions and max height on an incline?

Yes, there are many real-life examples of elastic collisions and max height on an incline. One example is a game of pool, where the balls collide with each other and the sides of the table, and the incline of the table can affect the maximum height of the balls after a collision. Another example is a roller coaster, where the incline of the track can affect the maximum height that the train reaches after an elastic collision with the track at the bottom of a hill.

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