Elastic or not? Billiard ball colliding with another

In this case, the collision is not elastic because the final velocity of the first billiard ball is less than its initial velocity. Therefore, there is a loss of energy during the collision.In summary, the conversation discusses an elastic collision between two billiard balls, with one ball moving towards a stationary ball at a velocity of 12.5m/s and resulting in the first ball moving off at an angle of 29.7° with a velocity of 9.56m/s. It is determined that the collision is not elastic due to a loss of energy during the collision.
  • #1
aeromat
114
0

Homework Statement


Billiard ball with mass 0.155kg moves with a velocity of 12.5m/s towards a stationary billiard ball. Assume they both have identical masses. The first billiard ball moves off at an angle of 29.7° clockwise after hitting the stationary one, with a velocity of 9.56m/s. Determine whether the collision was elastic?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Ok the main thing I need to ask is this: is the energy conserved independent for each dimension, in this case, x and y have diff. kinetic energy conservations?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What you'd need to do is find the velocity of the second ball and then check to see if KE before is the same as KE after.
 
  • #3
aeromat said:
Ok the main thing I need to ask is this: is the energy conserved independent for each dimension, in this case, x and y have diff. kinetic energy conservations?

Kinetic energy is conserved irrespective of dimension if it is an elastic collision
 

1. What is the difference between an elastic and non-elastic collision?

An elastic collision is a type of collision where the total kinetic energy of the system remains conserved, meaning that no energy is lost during the collision. In contrast, a non-elastic collision is a type of collision where some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound.

2. How can you tell if a collision is elastic or not?

To determine if a collision is elastic or not, you can calculate the total kinetic energy of the system before and after the collision. If the total kinetic energy remains the same, then the collision is elastic. If the total kinetic energy decreases, then the collision is non-elastic.

3. What happens to the velocities of the colliding objects in an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, the velocities of the colliding objects will change in direction but their magnitudes will remain the same. This means that the objects will rebound off each other with the same speed they had before the collision.

4. Are billiard balls considered to be elastic or non-elastic?

Billiard balls are typically considered to be elastic objects because the collisions between them are typically very short in duration and do not result in any significant energy loss.

5. Can two objects have a partially elastic collision?

Yes, two objects can have a partially elastic collision where some of the kinetic energy is conserved and some is lost. This can occur if the objects have different elastic properties or if there are external forces, such as friction, acting on the objects during the collision.

Similar threads

Horizontal impulse on a ball at rest on a plane (with friction)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
Elastic collision - Trigonometry equations
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Solving the Elastric 3-Body Collision Problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Is Ignoring the Y-Component in Billiard Ball Collision Calculations Correct?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
Conservation of momentum (wrecking ball hits a stationary object)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
A bullet collides perfectly elastically with one end of a rod
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
1K
Work done during a collision -- Change in Kinetic Energy & change in Momentum
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
570
Final speed and direction after a collision (elastic+inelastic)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
4K
Collision problems (Conservation of Momentum & Energy)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
6K
Collision with a ball spinning about its vertical axis
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top