How Do You Solve a 2D Elastic Collision Problem with Angle Relationships?

AI Thread Summary
To solve a 2D elastic collision problem, it's essential to establish three equations: two for momentum conservation (one for each axis) and one for energy conservation. The equations provided include momentum in the x-direction and y-direction, along with the energy conservation equation. A key relationship in this scenario is that sin(θ1) equals cos(θ2) and cos(θ1) equals sin(θ2), which can help determine the angles involved. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying these geometric relationships to solve for the unknowns. Properly addressing the angle relationships is crucial for finding a solution.
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Homework Statement


The attached file is all the information on the problem

Homework Equations


.5mv^2 =.5mv1^2 + .5m2^2
p = mv

The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried plugging the known values in the equations and and substituting the various equations together and every time I come up with an equation that has two unknowns in it.
 

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Did you write down three (3) equations? Two for momentum conservation and one for energy conservation.
 
kuruman said:
Did you write down three (3) equations? Two for momentum conservation and one for energy conservation.
yes I did, the equations I was able to come up with are:
V1cos(θ1) + V2cos(θ2) = 5 (momentum in x direction)
V1sin(θ1) + V2sin(θ2) = 0 (momentum in y direction)
.5(V1)2 + .5(V2)2 = 12.5 (energy conservation)
θ1 + θ2 = 90

I worked on these equations for about an hour and came up with nothing, and feel like there is something I'm missing
 
Last edited:
Sorry, I cannot read the fine print. Can you make all characters the same size?
 
kuruman said:
Sorry, I cannot read the fine print. Can you make all characters the same size?
Had a problem with subscripts overlapping but I think it's fixed.
 
You are missing that sinθ1 = cosθ2 and cosθ1 = sinθ2. You should be able to get either one of these angles from the geometry of the collision.
 
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