Finding final momentum and initial angular momentum after elastic collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the final momentum and initial angular momentum of a spherical satellite after an elastic collision with a piece of space junk. The satellite has a mass of 195 kg and an initial velocity of <2800, 0, 0> m/s, while the space junk has a mass of 4.1 kg and an initial velocity of <-2200, 0, 0> m/s. The final velocity of the junk post-collision is <-1200, 490, 0> m/s. The conservation of momentum and energy principles are essential for solving the problem, particularly in determining the final momentum of the satellite and its initial rotational angular momentum around its center of mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of momentum in elastic collisions
  • Knowledge of rotational dynamics and angular momentum
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy calculations for both translational and rotational motion
  • Ability to resolve vector components in physics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the final momentum of the satellite using the equation Mv1i + mv2i = Mv1f + mv2f
  • Learn about the conservation of energy in elastic collisions and how it applies to this scenario
  • Explore the calculation of angular momentum for rotating bodies, specifically using the inertia of the satellite
  • Investigate the effects of non-head-on collisions on momentum and energy conservation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focused on mechanics and collision theory, as well as educators seeking to explain concepts of momentum and energy conservation in elastic collisions.

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elastic collision help!

Homework Statement



A spherical satellite of radius 4.7 m and mass M = 195 kg is originally moving with velocity
v1i = < 2800, 0, 0 > m/s, and is originally rotating with an angular speed w = 2 radians/second, in the direction shown in the diagram. A small piece of space junk of mass m = 4.1 kg is initially moving toward the satellite with velocity v2i = < -2200, 0, 0 > m/s. The space junk hits the edge of the satellite at location C as shown in the diagram, and moves off with a new velocity v2f= < -1200, 490, 0 > m/s. Both before and after the collision, the rotation of the space junk is negligible.

After the collision, what is the final momentum of the satellite?

What is the initial rotational angular momentum of the satellite, around location D (its center of mass)? (Be sure your signs are correct).



im stuck on these two parts. i found out the rest and now stuck.

i used Mv1i + mv2i = Mv1f + mv2f
but got stucked
what should i do? any help would be great!
thanks
 

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It is not a head on collision. So you have to take the components of velocities of satellite and junk after collision to find the final velocity of satellite. You have to use the conservation of energy also.
 


what do you mean by your first statement?
i know
inital velocity of sat. is 2800,0,0
inital velocity of junk is -2200,0,0
final velocity of junk is -1200,490,0
i found I (inertia) of the sat. and it is 1723.02
w was given in problem and is = 2 r/s
energy wise you have translational KE of the sat and of the junk. also the sat has rotational KE
i found the total kinetic energy of the system to be 774330615.1 J
but i don't know what to do with these numbers to find P of sat.
is there an equation or something?
 

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