Inelastic Collision Energy loss

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the loss of kinetic energy in a perfectly inelastic collision involving two particles with masses m1 and m2, where particle 1 has a positive velocity v1 and particle 2 has a negative velocity v2. The final velocity after the collision is derived using the momentum conservation formula: (m1v1 + m2v2) / (m1 + m2). The kinetic energy before and after the collision is expressed using the equation KE = 1/2 mv^2. The discussion emphasizes the need to relate the velocities and masses to the concepts of reduced mass and relative velocity for a complete analysis of energy loss.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations using KE = 1/2 mv^2
  • Familiarity with momentum conservation principles
  • Knowledge of reduced mass formula: reduced mass = m1*m2/(m1+m2)
  • Concept of relative velocity in collision scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate kinetic energy before and after the collision using specific mass and velocity values
  • Explore the derivation of energy loss in inelastic collisions
  • Learn how to apply the concept of reduced mass in different collision types
  • Investigate the relationship between relative velocity and momentum in collision analysis
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone studying mechanics, particularly those focused on collision theory and energy conservation principles.

camorin
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Homework Statement


Two particles are in a perfectly inelastic collision with no external force acting on them. Particle 1 has m1 and v1>0. Particle 2 has mass m2 and v2<0. Find the loss in kinetic energy after the collision. Express your answer in
reduced mass as well as relative velocity.

Homework Equations


KE=1/2mv^2
Momentum conservation.
Reduced mass=m1*m2/(m2-m1)

The Attempt at a Solution



So far all I've managed to come up with is the final velocity which is (m1v1+m2v2_/(m1+m2)
I'm not sure where to go form here, I've tried writing out the KE after the collision by squaring the final velocity but I can't find a place to go from here.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the total kinetic energy before the collision?
What is the total kinetic energy after the collision?

Do you know how to relate the velocities and masses to the relative velocity and reduced mass?
 

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