Momentum After Inelastic Collison

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conservation of momentum in an inelastic collision involving two hockey pucks. One puck has a momentum of 35 kg*m/s and the other 7 kg*m/s. After the collision, the total momentum is calculated by summing the individual momenta, resulting in a final momentum of 42 kg*m/s. Although kinetic energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions, momentum remains conserved, confirming that the final momentum is indeed 42 kg*m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Law of Conservation of Momentum
  • Basic knowledge of inelastic collisions
  • Familiarity with momentum calculations (kg*m/s)
  • Concept of mass and velocity in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of inelastic collisions in detail
  • Learn how to calculate final velocities after collisions
  • Explore examples of momentum conservation in different scenarios
  • Investigate the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and collision theory, as well as educators looking for practical examples of momentum conservation.

NatalieWise123
Messages
14
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two hockey pucks are sliding across the ice in the same direction. One has a momentum of 35 kg*m/s. The other has a momentum of 7 kg*m/s. After the collision, the pucks stick together. What is the momentum of the pucks after the collision?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'd think you'd just add them together because of the Law of Conservation of Momentum but for some reason I'd imagine they'd slow down after hitting. Is 42 kg*m/s the right answer and if so why?[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Even though energy is not conserved in an in an inelastic collision,
momentum is conserved.
So write an equation for conservation of momentum and solve for the final speed.
Remember, you now have a final mass of 2 m.
 

Similar threads

Ambiguous question on momentum and how it works...
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Momentum in a perfectly inelastic collision
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Potential Energy - 2D inelastic collision - ballistic pendulum
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Velocity and Direction of a System after Inelastic Collision
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate the Momentum of a Puck After a Collision?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Calculating Final Velocities in 2D Inelastic Collisions
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Question about momentum and kinetic energy.
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Why Is the Calculated Angular Momentum of the Pucks Zero?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Elastic Collision and Momentum of Ice Skaters
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Elastic and Inelastic Momentum Problem
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K