Inelastic collision between 2 objects

[wing_88]

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 ...

 

[Lancelot59]

Try doing it for just one of the objects:

mv = m(v/3)cos(theta)

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi wing_88!

mv = 2m v/3 cos ...

hmm …

start again, and be systematic …

first, say in words what your conservation equation is …

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