Inelastic collisions in 2 dimensions

[SohailS]

I am unsure how to proceed with this problem because it is asking for the final velocity of one of the two objects given the initial velocities. This is an inelastic collision not a completely inelastic collision, which means the two objects do not stick together. The book makes a distinction between the two.

If you can give me some hints as how to proceed it would be truly helpful.

Homework Statement

A 0.800 kg target slides along the ice at 3.0 m/s [W], when it is hit by a 20.0 g arrow
moving at 260 m/s [N], as part of a show. Find the final velocity of the target after the
inelastic collision.

Given:

let east and north be positive

m₁ = 0.800 kg
v₁ = 3.0 m/s [W]
m₂ = 0.0200 kg
v₂ = 260 m/s [N]

find v_1f

Homework Equations

P_ti=P_tf

m₁v_1i + m₂v_2i = m₁v_1f + m₂v_2f

The Attempt at a Solution

The question is asking for the final velocity of the target which is find v_1f
This is an inelastic collision, not a completely inelastic collision, this means the arrow will not stick to the target.

v_ix = -3.0 m/s
v_iy = 260 m/s

P_xi=(0.8)(-3)=-2.4 Ns
P_yi=(0.02)(260)=5.2 Ns

 

[TSny]

Hello.

If the arrow does not stick to the target, then there is not enough information to solve the problem. I suspect that even though the problem does not say completely inelastic, that is what you should assume (unless other information is given).