- #1
notagenius08
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Homework Statement
A proton is traveling to the right at 2.0x10^7 m/s. It has a head on perfectly elastic collision with a carbon atom. The Mass of the Carbon atom is 12 times the mass of the proton. What are the speed and direction of each after collision?
Homework Equations
Ke=1/2M*V^2
P(momentum)=M*V
The Attempt at a Solution
p=proton
c=carbon
After the collision:
1/2MpVpf^2 + 1/2McVcf^2=1/2MpVp^2
MpVpf+McVcf=MpVp
Solved for:
Vcf=Vp-Vpf/12
Vpf=Vp-12Vcf
Vcf^2=Vp^2-Vpf^2/12
Vpf^2=Vp^2-12Vcf
I've tried a few times but can figure out how to solve the rest of the equation. Every time I make a substitution I get MpVp=MpVp.
Which I already knew, so I guess my algebra is a bit crap.(spelling too!)
What is the next step?
Thanks to anyone that helps.