How Do You Calculate Theta and Helium's Velocity After a Neutron Collision?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate theta and the velocity of helium after a neutron collision, apply the conservation of momentum principles in both the x and y components. The neutron has a velocity of 5E5 m/s and a mass of 1.66E-27 kg, while the helium nucleus has a mass of 4(1.66E-27 kg) and an initial velocity of 3.7E5 m/s. After the collision, the neutron continues at 5E5 m/s in the direction of the helium's motion, necessitating the analysis of momentum components. The equations for momentum conservation must be set up separately for the x and y directions, allowing for the calculation of the unknown angle theta and the helium's final velocity. Understanding these steps is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


A neutron with velocity 5E5 m/s and a mass of 1.66E-27 collides with a helium nucleus, mass of 4(1.66E-27) with a velocity of 3.7E5 m/s as shown. If the speed of the neutron after collision is 5E5 m/s and it is moving in the direction of motion of the nucleus after collision, find theta, and velocity of Helium (Prime).
Diagram shown in attachment.
*also the angle 39 + theta does not equal 90 degrees

Homework Equations



P = mv

The Attempt at a Solution


None, I know absolutely nothing about this..
My teacher assigned it to us and expects us to solve it somehow..
Please if someone could lead my through the steps of solving it..It'd be greatly appreciated.

Don't expect me to know anything..
 

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You apply the same basic principles of conservation of momentum, only now, you have to analyze it in components.
 
Which I do not know because I never learned it hah :/
I said I don't know anything about momentum :/
 
If you've done 2D kinematics, it should be really simple. Just remember the formula for conservation of momentum:

6393f9ed3185e9cac5f055f0041dbc63.png

where u1 and u2 are the velocities before collision, and v1 and v2 are the velocities after collision.

Split each velocity vector up into components and solve for what needs to be solved. So you should have the same equation (^) for both components except one will be analyzing the velocity vectors in the x -direction and one in the y-direction.
 
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