Inelastic collision between 2 objects

AI Thread Summary
In an inelastic collision between two objects of equal mass, both initially moving at speed v, they combine and move together at speed v/3 after the collision. The conservation of momentum equation is set up as mv = 2m(v/3)cos(theta), where theta represents the angle between their initial directions. Participants emphasize the importance of systematically approaching the conservation equation to avoid mistakes. The discussion encourages a clear verbal explanation of the conservation principle before writing the equation. Understanding the relationship between momentum and angle is crucial in solving the problem.
wing_88
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


2 objects of equal mass collide inelastically having initial speed v.
after that they move off together with speed v/3.
what is the angel between the initial directions?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


mv = 2m v/3 cos ...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try doing it for just one of the objects:

mv = m(v/3)cos(theta)
 
Hi wing_88! :smile:
wing_88 said:
mv = 2m v/3 cos ...

hmm :redface: …

start again, and be systematic …

first, say in words what your conservation equation is …

then write it out, and you won't make mistakes. :wink:
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Inelastic Collision: Finding Initial Angle
Replies
22
Views
4K
Perfectly inelastic collision of two moving and rotating disks
Replies
9
Views
2K
Inelastic collision with an inclined plane
Replies
7
Views
4K
Why is momentum conservation always true in a collision?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Can total KE ever increase for inelastic collisions?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Potential Energy - 2D inelastic collision - ballistic pendulum
Replies
10
Views
2K
Inelastic collision of two particles
Replies
16
Views
6K
Elastic and inelastic collisions
Replies
4
Views
3K
Impulse and perfectly inelastic collision between 2 points
Replies
4
Views
741
Question regarding inelastic/elastic collision.
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top