Linear momentum of 2 objects colliding find velocity and angle

In summary, the conversation discusses how birds of prey, particularly the northern goshawk, hunt other birds in midair by diving in for the kill with the deadly grip of its talons. They are able to take down larger prey such as ducks and crows. The problem at hand involves using the change in linear momentum to estimate the impact on the hawk when successfully catching an unsuspecting American crow. Given the masses and speeds of both the crow and hawk, as well as the angle at which the hawk approaches, the goal is to determine the speed and change in direction of the hawk after the impact. The attempted solution involves using the equation m1v1-m2v2cos(θ)=(m1+m2)vf, but
  • #1
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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  • #2
Hi studyhard, http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif [Broken]

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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What is linear momentum?

Linear momentum is a measure of an object's motion in a straight line. It is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity.

How is linear momentum conserved in a collision?

In a collision between two objects, the total linear momentum of the system is conserved. This means that the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.

How do you calculate the velocity of two objects colliding?

The velocity of two objects colliding can be calculated using the conservation of linear momentum equation: m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v'1 + m2v'2, where m is the mass and v is the initial velocity of the objects, and v' is the final velocity of the objects.

What factors affect the angle of two objects colliding?

The angle of two objects colliding is affected by the direction and magnitude of their velocities before the collision, as well as their masses. The angle can also be affected by external forces, such as friction.

How does the angle of two objects colliding affect the outcome of the collision?

The angle of two objects colliding can affect the outcome of the collision in terms of the final velocities and directions of the objects. Depending on the angle, the objects may bounce off each other, stick together, or continue moving in the same direction. The angle can also affect the amount of energy transferred between the objects during the collision.

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