Inelastic collision followed by circular motion

Nov 15, 2022

Sal Coombs

Homework Statement: A 3.0-kg mass is sliding on a horizontal frictionless surface with a speed of 3.0 m/s when it collides with a 1.0-kg mass initially at the bottom of a circular track. The masses stick together and slide up a frictionless circular track of radius 0.40 m. To what maximum height, h, above the horizontal surface (the original height of the masses) will the masses slide?

Relevant Equations: mv = mv Momentum
1/2mv^2 Kinetic Energy
mgh Potential Energy
(mv^2)/r Centripetal Force

Found the speed at which the masses will travel after their collision: 2.25m/s
Not sure what to do next...

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Nov 16, 2022

PeroK

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Sal Coombs said:

Found the speed at which the masses will travel after their collision: 2.25m/s
Not sure what to do next...

What happens when the masses follow the circular track?

Nov 16, 2022

haruspex

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To expand on @PeroK's question, there are three distinct possibilities. Can you list them?

1. What is an inelastic collision?

An inelastic collision is a type of collision in which the kinetic energy of the system is not conserved. This means that the total kinetic energy of the objects before and after the collision is not the same. In an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound.

2. How does an inelastic collision affect circular motion?

An inelastic collision can affect circular motion by changing the velocity and direction of the object in motion. In circular motion, the object moves in a circular path at a constant speed. However, if an inelastic collision occurs, the object's velocity and direction may change, causing it to deviate from its circular path.

5. Can an inelastic collision followed by circular motion result in a perfectly circular path?

No, an inelastic collision followed by circular motion cannot result in a perfectly circular path. This is because inelastic collisions involve some loss of kinetic energy, which affects the object's velocity and direction. The object may still move in a circular path, but it will not be a perfect circle due to the change in velocity and direction caused by the collision.