Finding the Mass of a Puck in a 2-Dimensional Collision

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a two-dimensional collision between two pucks, where the mass of one puck is known and the other is unknown. The original poster is attempting to find the mass of puck B based on given initial and final velocities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster initially used momentum conservation equations in both x and y components but did not arrive at the expected answer. Some participants inquire about the equations used and suggest alternative approaches, such as considering energy conservation.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the original poster's procedure and assumptions. A participant suggests showing angles for better understanding, while the original poster later identifies a measurement error that affected their calculations, leading to a resolution aligning with the textbook answer.

Contextual Notes

There was a noted error in measuring one of the angles, which impacted the calculations. The problem context is framed within the constraints of textbook homework, where the solution must align with provided answers.

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having trouble with this problem in my textbook

two pucks collide, puck A has a mass of 0.32kg, and an initial velocity of 0.04 m/s [54 N of E], and a final velocity of 0.034 m/s [N]
puck B's mass is unknown but has an initial velocity of 0.038 m/s [S of W] and a final velocity of 0.028 m/s [46.5 N of E]. Puck B's mass needs to be found.

Wheni tried it i used components but i did not get the right answer, the answer in the back of the book is 0.22kg. Does anyone else get this answer? if so could you explain how?? thanx.
 
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what equations did you use...i'm assuming pure elastic?
 
yeah i assumed that it was pure elastic, the equation used was..

(m1x)(v1x) +(m2x)(v2x) = (m1x)(v1fx) +(m2x)(v2fx)

(m1y)(v1y) +(m2y)(v2y) = (m1y)(v1fy) +(m2y)(v2fy)
 
Could you show me your complete procedure?
 
try using the conservation of Energy rather than momentum...cuz with the Cons of Mom...it'd be best if you showed those angles...sorry lazy to draw it out myself.
 
bah! sorry for wasting your time, i measured the one angle wrong it was 45 instead of 54! thanks for your time though, with that change the problem does work out to the solution in the back.
 

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