Final velocities from head elastic head on collisions

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a head-on elastic collision between two balls of equal mass, where one ball is moving at +3.00 m/s and the other at -2.00 m/s. The objective is to determine the final velocities of both balls after the collision.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy as potential methods for solving the problem. There are questions about how to handle the two unknowns in the equations and whether to relate the velocities through simultaneous equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches to relate the final velocities of the balls. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of conservation laws and the relative velocity formula, but no consensus has been reached on a specific method to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a formula for relative velocity provided in a textbook, which adds complexity to the discussion as participants consider how to integrate it with conservation principles.

henry3369
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Homework Statement


Ball A with velocity +3.00 m/s collides with ball B with equal mass traveling at -2.00 m/s. What is the velocity of each ball after the collision.

Homework Equations


Not sure.

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that momentum is conserved because, but solving the conservation of momentum equation yields two unknowns. I also tried impulse-momentum theorem and conservation of kinetic energy, but I'm not sure how that will help. The answer is Ball has velocity -2.00 m/s and ball B has velocity +3.00 m/s. Is there a formula to actually solve for this because they don't give you either of the final velocities.
 
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How did you use the law of conservation of kinetic energy?
 
If you can put one of the velocities of the balls after the collision in term of the other , you can solve this problem.
And the law of conservation of kinetic energy would help you.
 
Maged Saeed said:
If you can put one of the velocities of the balls after the collision in term of the other , you can solve this problem.
And the law of conservation of kinetic energy would help you.
Well in my book they gave me a formula for relative velocity which is V2f-V1f = -(V2i-V1i). And I have the initial velocities and which will leave me with two unknowns still. Do I have to relate this somehow to conservation of kinetic energy and solve simultaneous equations?
 
Ahh I got it. Thank you!
 

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