How does a collision at an angle affect momentum calculation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of momentum in a collision scenario where two objects collide at an angle. The original poster is exploring how the angle of collision affects the momentum calculation, particularly when one object approaches at a specified angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the vector nature of momentum and the need to consider x and y components in the calculation. There is a question about how the angle of 30 degrees impacts the final velocity of the combined objects after the collision.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints regarding the decomposition of momentum into components, suggesting a method to calculate the resultant velocity. The original poster expresses confusion about the effect of the angle on the final velocity, indicating an ongoing exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references specific masses and velocities but does not provide numerical values or complete equations for the scenario. There is an implied assumption that the angle will influence the outcome, which is under discussion.

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Homework Statement


If two objects of mass m1, m2 and velocity u1, u2 traveling along the same path collide and combine the total momentum before collision is equal to the total momentum after collision. But if one object collides at an angle of say 30o to the other how will this affect your calculation.

Homework Equations



m1.u1+m2.u2=m1+2.v2

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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Hint: Momentum is a vector quantity; as such, it can have x and y components. What are your thoughts on this?
 
As momentum is a vector quantity, if I get the x and y components of object (a) and object (b) and find the resultant, I guess this will be equal to the total momentum? The question i am attempting wants me to find the velocity of the combined objects after collision, I figure this should be straight forward m1u1+m2u2/m1+2=vtotal but what i am having difficulty comprehending is will the angle of 30o have any affect at all on the final velocity? the answer seems to suggest so, but i can't see how
 
Last edited:
Try (m_1u_1_x + m_2u_2_x)/(m_1 + m_2) = V_x , and do the same in the y direction to get V_y, then calculate the resultant velocity.
 
Thank you, that seemed to work perfectly
 

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