Help with interesting problem about momentum

In summary, the problem given by the teacher involves two equal masses, M, touching each other with a block of mass m on top of the first mass M, a distance H above the ground. When the block is released, the first mass will move backwards and the block will move onto the second mass M, causing it to move forward. The goal is to find the new distance H that the block will travel. The problem assumes no friction and uses conservation of energy and momentum to find the speed of the block and ramp when the block reaches the ground, and then again in reverse to determine the height of the block on the second ramp.
  • #1
newcool
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Hi, my teacher gave this problem and he said that it has a very "pretty" answer.

You have two equal masses, each mass is called M that are touching each other.

There is a block with mass m on top of the first mass M. This block is a distance H above the ground. When the block is released the first mass will start moving backwards and the block will move onto the second mass M which will start moving fowards. I have to find the new distance H, that the block will go.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Attached is a diagram
 

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  • #2
Forgot to say that there is no friction and H' has to be found in terms of m,M,H and g
 
  • #3
Use the fact that energy and momentum are conserved to find the speed of the block and the ramp when the block is on the ground. Then do the same in reverse to find the height of the block on the second ramp.

--J
 

What is momentum?

Momentum is a physics concept that refers to the quantity of motion an object has. It is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity.

Why is momentum important?

Momentum is important because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of moving objects. It also plays a crucial role in collisions and the conservation of energy.

How is momentum conserved?

According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a closed system remains constant, meaning it is conserved. This means that in a collision, the total momentum before and after the collision will be equal.

What factors affect momentum?

The two main factors that affect momentum are an object's mass and its velocity. The greater the mass or velocity, the greater the momentum. Additionally, external forces such as friction can also affect an object's momentum.

How is momentum used in real life?

Momentum is used in various real-life applications, such as sports, transportation, and engineering. For example, understanding momentum is crucial for designing efficient transportation systems and predicting the outcomes of collisions in car accidents.

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