How Can I Find the Velocity of a Collision with Only Displacements?

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To find the velocity of a steel ball in a collision using only displacements, it is crucial to understand that velocity is defined as displacement divided by time. The discussion highlights that time cannot be assumed equal without specific context, and velocity must always be expressed in meters per second (m/s), not just meters. The conservation of linear momentum may also be relevant in analyzing the collision, but additional details about the displacements are necessary for a clearer understanding. The original question lacks clarity, making it difficult to provide a precise answer. More information is needed to assist effectively in calculating the velocity.
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How do I find the velocity of a steel ball in a collision with a steel ball of equal mass when I only know the displacements? (Time is irrelevant because it is also equal I believe?) Do I still write velocity in m/s? or just in meters?

V = displacement/time
 
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izzakizza said:
How do I find the velocity of a steel ball in a collision with a steel ball of equal mass when I only know the displacements? (Time is irrelevant because it is also equal I believe?) Do I still write velocity in m/s? or just in meters?

V = displacement/time
Hi izzakizza and welcome to PF.
I don't follow you when you say that time is equal. Equal to what?
Velocity unit is always a distance over time, so writing it as meters doesn't have any sense.
I don't understand well your question (you know the displacements? What do you mean by this? Do you mean their path? If so it's impossible to know their velocity.)
I think your question is too vague. If you could add some details we might help you.
(By the way I'm pretty sure you'll have to use the fact that the linear momentum is conserved, but from what you posted we cannot say anything)
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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