Inelastic or elastic collision?

In summary, a 4.0 kg firework explodes into two 2 kg pieces while sliding on a hockey rink. One piece has a velocity of 3.0 m/s along the y direction and the other has a velocity of 5.0 m/s at an angle of +30 degrees relative to the x-axis. The original speed of the firework on the ice before the explosion is unknown. The method of solving this problem depends on whether conservation of energy or momentum is assumed.
  • #1
bearhug
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A 4.0 kg firework is tossed onto a hockey rink. As it slides, it explodes into exactly two 2 kg pieces. There is an x-y coordinate system painted under the ice. One part of the exploded firework has velocity 3.0 m/s along the y direction. The other part has a velocity of 5.0 m/s at an angle of +30 degrees relative to the x-axis.
(a) What is the original speed of the firework on the ice (before the explosion)

My biggest question is that in order to solve this problem should I treat it as an inelastic collision or any collision for that matter? Since technically there is no collision, just an explosion.
 
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  • #2
You need to decide what's conserved and what's not. What do you think?
 
  • #3
I was thinking it was elastic.
 
  • #4
seriously any help on this problem is appreciated.
 
  • #5
Answer my question: What's conserved and what's not conserved?
 

1. What is the difference between an inelastic and elastic collision?

An inelastic collision is one in which the total kinetic energy of the system is not conserved. Some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved, meaning it does not change. This type of collision is often referred to as a "perfect" collision, where no energy is lost.

2. How do you calculate the velocity of an object after an inelastic collision?

The velocity of an object after an inelastic collision can be calculated using the equation v = (m1v1 + m2v2) / (m1 + m2), where v is the final velocity, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and v1 and v2 are their initial velocities.

3. What are some real-life examples of inelastic collisions?

A common example of an inelastic collision is two objects colliding and sticking together, such as when a clay ball hits a wall and sticks to it. Another example is a car crash, where some of the kinetic energy of the moving vehicles is converted into heat and sound energy upon impact.

4. What is the coefficient of restitution in an elastic collision?

The coefficient of restitution is a number that represents the ratio of the final velocity to the initial velocity in an elastic collision. It is often denoted by the symbol e and can range from 0 to 1, with a value of 1 representing a perfectly elastic collision, where no kinetic energy is lost.

5. How do inelastic and elastic collisions affect the momentum of objects?

In an inelastic collision, the total momentum of the system is conserved, meaning it does not change. However, in an elastic collision, the total momentum of the system is also conserved, but the individual momenta of the objects may change due to the exchange of kinetic energy. This means that the total momentum before and after an elastic collision will be the same, but the momenta of the individual objects may not be.

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