- #1
Cait602
- 12
- 0
Homework Statement
Block 1 collides with a stationary block 2, block 1 bounces back going in the opposite direction. I assume by this type of picture it means that block 2 also is going to the right because it's not saying it's at rest any further.
A) Rank the horizontal forces in both of the free body diagrams during the collision and explain?
B) During the collision, is the net force exerted on block 1 to the left, right, or zero?
C) Is the momentum of block 1 conserved during the collision, what about block 2? Is the change in momentum of block 1 to the left, to the right, or zero?
Homework Equations
Fnet=Δp/Δt
The Attempt at a Solution
A) I believe that at the point of collision, there is a normal force and a weight force. There would also have to be a force pushing back from the other block. So for say block 1, there would have to be a force pointing in the left direction. The same for block 2, just in the right direction. So... I want to say these horizontal forces are equal since the free body diagrams would appear the same.
B)The net force exerted on block A would be the horizontal force, and it would be to the left because I believe that's the only force horizontally, and the vertical components would not be moving so they wouldn't be part of it.
C) The momentum of block 1 will be conserved since we start with m1v1 and end with m1v1f. I, however, think the momentum for block 2 would not be conserved because we start with 0 and end up with m2v2f.
The change in momentum of block 1 would be.. to the left because..
m1(-vf)-m1v1, would make for a negative result, which would mean we would be going in the left direction, i think..