Elastic Collision: Find Height of m2 After Incline

In summary, two masses of m1 and m2 with m1 being four times the mass of m2 collide elastically on a frictionless surface. M1 is initially moving at 13.8 m/s in the positive x direction while m2 is moving at 10.6 m/s in the negative x direction. After the collision, m2 moves up a frictionless incline and stops at a height of 41.22 meters. The solution to this problem can be found by using the equations for elastic collisions and the conservation of momentum.
  • #1
Paulie71199
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Homework Statement



Two masses of m1 and m2 collide elastically on a horizontal, frictionless surface. m1 is four times the mass of m2, and m1 is originally moving in the positive x direction at 13.8 m/s while m2 is moving in the negative x direction at 10.6 m/s. After the collision, m2 moves up a frictionless incline. To what height does m2 reach on the incline when it stops? Answer in meters.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



The correct answer is 41.22 but I am unsure of how my professor got it.
 
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  • #2
Hi Paulie! :wink:

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

1. How is elastic collision different from inelastic collision?

Elastic collision is a type of collision where the total kinetic energy is conserved, meaning that the objects involved bounce off each other without any loss of energy. In contrast, inelastic collision involves a loss of kinetic energy due to deformation or other factors.

2. What is the formula for calculating the height of m2 after an inclined elastic collision?

The formula for calculating the height of m2 after an inclined elastic collision is h = (m1/m2) * u^2 * sin^2(theta), where m1 is the mass of the first object, m2 is the mass of the second object, u is the initial velocity of the first object, and theta is the angle of the incline.

3. How do you determine the angle of the incline in an elastic collision?

The angle of the incline can be determined by using a protractor to measure the angle between the incline and the horizontal surface. Alternatively, if the incline is not known, it can be calculated using the formula theta = arctan(h/l), where h is the height of the incline and l is the length of the incline.

4. Can the height of m2 after an inclined elastic collision be negative?

No, the height of m2 after an inclined elastic collision cannot be negative. This is because the height is measured as a vertical distance and cannot have a negative value. If the calculated height is negative, it indicates that the objects did not collide and the calculation may have been incorrect.

5. What are the assumptions made in the calculation of the height of m2 after an inclined elastic collision?

The calculation of the height of m2 after an inclined elastic collision assumes that the collision is perfectly elastic, meaning that there is no loss of kinetic energy. It also assumes that there are no external forces acting on the objects during the collision and that the objects are point masses with no rotational motion.

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