How Do You Determine Post-Collision Velocities Using Distance and Angle?

AI Thread Summary
To determine post-collision velocities of two equal masses after a collision, one can use the principles of momentum conservation and the relationship between momentum, velocity, and distance. The horizontal component of velocity remains unchanged, indicating that the distance traveled is proportional to the horizontal velocity. It is suggested that the distances traveled by the masses can be used to represent their final momentum vectors, as momentum is proportional to both velocity and distance. By dividing the distance traveled by the masses, one can derive the velocities, given that the masses are equal. This approach leverages the equality of masses to simplify calculations, allowing for the use of displacements in place of momentum.
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Homework Statement


If you have a mass colliding with another mass at rest and they both go off in different directions, how do you find out the velocity of the masses after the collision given the distance they travel, the angle they travel and the masses (m1 = m2). You are also told that momentum is proportional to velocity which is proportional to distance.


Homework Equations


P(total) = P(total)¹

m1v1 = m1v1¹ + m2v2¹


The Attempt at a Solution


Im guessing that the horizontal component of their velocity remains unchanged and therefore the distance they go horizontally is propotional to their horizontal velocity, but I still don't understand how you can determine the velocity of the masses with this information.

I was told that the distance the masses travel after collision represents the final momentum vectors of mass 1 & 2 because m1 = m2 and p is proportional to v, proportional to d. Could I take the distance they travel and divide it by their masses to get the velocity because p=mv?
 
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I think it is about using
m1d1 = m1d1¹ + m2d2¹

divide them into x-y components
 
Ok, that looks like the right way to do it, but I am almost sure that for equal size balls with the same mass, the displacement lengths can be used in place of the momentum. How can the displacement equal momentum, when youre saying that momentum equals displacement AND mass? Mabey since the masses are the same before and after, could you take out masses?
 
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