Linear momentum of 2 objects colliding find velocity and angle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the linear momentum and resulting velocity of a northern goshawk after it collides with an American crow during a hunting dive. The mass of the crow is 452 g, and it flies at a speed of 14 m/s, while the hawk has a mass of 915 g and approaches at 21 m/s at an angle of 74° to the horizontal. The correct approach involves breaking down the momentum into horizontal and vertical components and applying conservation of momentum principles. The user struggled with the calculations, indicating a need for clearer working steps and diagrams to visualize the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear momentum and conservation of momentum principles
  • Ability to resolve vectors into horizontal and vertical components
  • Familiarity with Pythagorean theorem for calculating resultant velocities
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions for angle calculations
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  • Study vector resolution techniques in physics
  • Learn about conservation of momentum in elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Practice problems involving momentum calculations with varying angles
  • Explore the use of diagrams to represent physics problems visually
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and momentum, as well as educators looking for examples of real-world applications of these concepts in animal behavior.

studyhard
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Homework Statement


Some birds of prey, such as the northern goshawk, hunt other birds in midair. Typically, the hawk spots the prey while soaring high above, then dives in for the kill with the deadly grip of its talons. They do not shy away from larger prey, such as ducks and crows. Using the change in linear momentum, we want to estimate the impact on the hawk when completing a successful kill by clawing into the prey, which we take to be an unsuspecting American crow. Use mass of crow
mC = 452 g,
horizontal flight of the crow with speed
vC = 14 m/s,
mass of hawk
mH = 915 g,
flight path in the same plane as the crow but approaching from behind with
vH = 21 m/s
and with an angle of
θ = 74°
with the horizontal, as illustrated in the side view of the figure below.
How fast does the hawk move immediately after catching the crow?
By what angle has the direction of motion of the hawk changed at the impact? Note: American crows take the danger posed by high-soaring hawks very seriously. They are often seen as a group attacking the predator to drive it out of their neighbourhood.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Tried using m1v1-m2v2cos(θ)=(m1+m2) vf
but could not get right answer
 
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Hi studyhard, http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

As you haven't shown your working, there is not much we can examine to see where you may be going wrong. About all I can say is to remind you that these problems are often best worked using horizontal and vertical components, before using Pythagoras.

Besides showing a diagram with your working, it is always helpful to include the answer you are aiming for, if known.
 
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