Elastic Collisions (Oblique Impact)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on understanding elastic collisions, specifically oblique impacts, and the reversal of horizontal velocities post-collision. The coefficient of restitution mentioned is 3/4, which is crucial for calculating the velocities after impact. The user initially struggled with determining the direction of the velocities, leading to confusion in applying Newton's Law of Restitution correctly. Ultimately, the user recognized their misunderstanding and acknowledged the importance of accurately applying the law to solve the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elastic collisions and their properties
  • Familiarity with Newton's Law of Restitution
  • Basic knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Ability to interpret and analyze collision diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of elastic collisions in two dimensions
  • Learn how to apply Newton's Law of Restitution with different coefficients
  • Explore vector resolution techniques for analyzing collision outcomes
  • Investigate real-world applications of oblique impacts in physics
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Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and collision theory, as well as anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of physical interactions.

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http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg843/scaled.php?server=843&filename=23518417.jpg&res=medium

The crucial thing I'm not understanding here is how they know that after the collision (shown at the bottom of the picture), the horizontal velocities of each particle are reversed. Surely we don't know that, though? However, the direction after is important because I'm getting a different answer if I just try to get v or w by itself. When I draw my diagram for what happens post-impact, I'm not giving v and w a direction, I'm just labelling them as horizontal components. However, to solve this question I think you need to know which direction they're in.

Any help?

EDIT: Sorry about image quality. Co-eff of restitution is 3/4.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Eh, never mind, sorry. I was being an idiot, of course it shouldn't matter. I was doing Newton's Law of Restitution the wrong way round...
 

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