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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a collision problem involving a neutron and a helium nucleus, focusing on calculating the angle theta and the velocity of helium after the collision. The problem is set within the context of momentum conservation principles in a two-dimensional framework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of momentum, particularly in component form, to analyze the collision. Some express uncertainty about their understanding of momentum and its components, while others suggest that familiarity with 2D kinematics could simplify the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants attempting to clarify the principles involved while others express their lack of knowledge about the topic. There is a mix of guidance offered regarding the conservation of momentum and the need to break down velocity vectors into components.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a lack of prior knowledge about momentum and its application in this scenario, which may affect their ability to engage with the problem effectively. There is also mention of a diagram that is referenced but not included in the discussion.

McKeavey
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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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