Help with Energy at inelastic collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy Q produced in an inelastic collision involving two particles of mass m1 and m2, where m2 is initially at rest. The resulting particles have masses m3 and m4 and are emitted at angles θ3 and θ4. The key equations used include Q = T_f - T_i and T = p²/(2m). Participants emphasize the need for algebraic manipulation to express momenta p3 and p4 in terms of p1, θ3, and θ4 to solve for Q.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inelastic collisions
  • Familiarity with momentum conservation principles
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy calculations
  • Ability to perform algebraic manipulations in physics equations
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  • Study momentum conservation in inelastic collisions
  • Learn how to derive expressions for momentum in terms of angles
  • Explore kinetic energy transformations in particle physics
  • Practice algebraic manipulation of physics equations
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone involved in particle physics or collision analysis, particularly those focusing on energy calculations in inelastic collisions.

FLms
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Homework Statement


A particle of mass m1 and momentum p1 collides with a particle of mass m2 at rest. A reaction occurs, as a result giving two new particles, with masses m3 and m4, that are emitted at angles
\theta_3 and \theta_4, in relation to the original direction of m1. Determine the energy Q that has been produced on the reaction in terms of the masses, the angles and p1.

Homework Equations



Q = T_f - T_i
T = \frac{p^2}{2 m}

The Attempt at a Solution



p_1 = p_3 cos(\theta_3) + p_4 cos(\theta_4)
p_2 = 0 = p_3 sin(\theta_3) - p_4 sin(\theta_3)
Q = T_3 + T_4 - T_1
Q = \frac{{p_3}^2}{2m_3} + \frac{{p_4}^2}{2m_4} - \frac{{p_1}^2}{2m_1}

I'm stuck here.
I suppose I have to, obviously, express both p_3 and p_4 in terms of p_1, but I'm not exactly sure of how to do it. Or maybe I just need some algebraic manipulation to get rid of both p_3 and p_4.

Any help appreciated.
 
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That absolutely correct, you need algebraic manipulation to express p_3 and p_4 in terms of p_1, \theta_3 and \theta_4.
 
... and these are the equations you need to manipulate:
FLms said:
p_1 = p_3 cos(\theta_3) + p_4 cos(\theta_4)
0 = p_3 sin(\theta_3) - p_4 sin(\theta_3)
 

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