Electrostatic collision between two masses

[unscientific]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I've done part (a) and (b) using conservation of momentum and energy..for part (c) I'm not sure how to find the minimum angle ∅. I have also worked out the velocities of m₁ and m₂ just before the collision as required in part (a).

I've done a sketch that shows something like:

I know that in the zero-momentum-frame the total momentum must be zero, so their momentum are aligned. (different masses results in them having different velocities, in order to ensure Ʃp = 0)

 

[Mandelbroth]

I've done part (a) and (b) using conservation of momentum and energy..for part (c) I'm not sure how to find the minimum angle ∅. I have also worked out the velocities of m₁ and m₂ just before the collision as required in part (a).

Just for the math folk, let's use $\varphi$ rather than the empty set for our variable.

You have the velocities of the two masses. Velocity is a vector. The question you need to ask yourself is "how do you find the angle between two vectors?"

You probably meant speed, in which case...how do you relate speed and velocity?

 

[unscientific]

Just for the math folk, let's use $\varphi$ rather than the empty set for our variable.

You have the velocities of the two masses. Velocity is a vector. The question you need to ask yourself is "how do you find the angle between two vectors?"

You probably meant speed, in which case...how do you relate speed and velocity?

I know the answers to all your questions, but I'm not sure if they're helpful in this question...

 

[unscientific]

bumpp