Elastic Collision: Solving for Delta x

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving for the distance each mass travels after an elastic collision involving a 4kg mass (m1) moving at 3m/s and an 8kg mass (m2) initially at rest. The post indicates that after the collision, m1 moves at 2m/s and m2 at 1m/s. The challenge lies in determining the height of the table and the time of flight to calculate the horizontal distance (delta x) each mass travels after leaving the table's edge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elastic collision principles
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics, specifically projectile motion
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equations governing elastic collisions, particularly conservation of momentum and kinetic energy
  • Learn about projectile motion equations to determine time of flight
  • Study how to derive height from time of flight and initial velocity
  • Explore methods for solving systems of equations with two unknowns
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of elastic collisions and projectile motion.

rugbygirl2
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I have a 4kg mass (m1) moving at 3m/s towards a 8kg mass (m2) at rest on a 2m long frictionless table that is of unknown height. I solved for the velocities after the collsion m1= 2m/s and m2= 1m/, suppose the two masses were placed so that they left the edges of the table in opposite directions at the same time, ie the collision happened so that m2 was placed 0.66667m from the edge. What is the distance that each travels from the base of the table (delta x).


Homework Equations



m1= 4kg, and a initial vx of 2 m/s
m2= 8kg, and a initial vx of 1 m/s

The Attempt at a Solution


I do not know the height or time of flight so any way I substitute equations I get 2 unknowns. Any help or ideas would be appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi rugbygirl2! Welcome to PF! :wink:

You should have two equations, which should be enough for two unknowns.

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help. :smile:
 

Similar threads

1D Elastic Collision between an Elephant and a Fly
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Finding two objects velocity after an elastic collision
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Physics Help with elastic collision
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Solving Elastic Collision of Two Balls: Theory & Solutions
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Kinetic energy and momentum in an elastic collision
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Elastic collision with pendulum
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Find the height the block rises to after an elastic collision
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
How do I solve for an elastic collision going up a ramp?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Elastic collision heavy particle problem
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Solve for 2D Elastic Collision: Find θ & φ Angles
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K