Momentum of A Before Impact with B: Find the Solution

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In summary, the question asks for the momentum of particle A before collision with particle B, which is traveling at 15m/s in a straight line. The two particles have the same mass and are assumed to be modeled as particles. After the collision, the two particles coalesce at a 65% angle to the original direction of particle A. The suggested alignments for unit vectors are parallel and perpendicular to the direction of coalesced particles. The homework equations provided are pA= m*u' and the picture below is a crude diagram. There is also a mention of a false start and a question about vector positions. It is not clear if there are any additional calculations or conclusions to be made.
  • #1
raining Pete
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Homework Statement


A traveling at 15m/s in a straight line when it is hit from the left by B. Each has same mass, each assumed to be modeled as a particle, the two coalesce at 65% to original direction of A.
a) Suggested alignments for unit vectors are parallel and perpendicular to the direction of coalesced particles, as shown, write momentum of each particle before collision defining any symbols.

Trying to find momentum of A before impact with B. False starting over the initial part of this question.

A is traveling at 15m/s in a straight line.

Picture below is a bit crude.
http://imgur.com/ErGAkA5

Homework Equations



pA= m*u'

The Attempt at a Solution

Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Hmm, everything is a bit hard to understand.

What's the actual wording of the question?
 
  • #3
edited original.
 
  • #4
Yes, that looks like the write expression for a. Now what do you think about b?
 
  • #5
tyvm jack. never sure about vector positions.
 
  • #6
raining Pete said:

Homework Statement


A traveling at 15m/s in a straight line when it is hit from the left by B. Each has same mass, each assumed to be modeled as a particle, the two coalesce at 65% to original direction of A.
a) Suggested alignments for unit vectors are parallel and perpendicular to the direction of coalesced particles, as shown, write momentum of each particle before collision defining any symbols.

Trying to find momentum of A before impact with B. False starting over the initial part of this question.

A is traveling at 15m/s in a straight line.

Picture below is a bit crude.
Apart from the implied requirement that you are to sketch the diagram, are you asked to calculate anything, or conclude anything more?

Are you sure you have included all the details that the textbook provided?
 
Last edited:

1. What is momentum and why is it important in collisions?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. In collisions, momentum is important because it helps us understand the forces involved and the resulting motion of the objects involved.

2. How is momentum conserved in collisions?

In a closed system, the total momentum before a collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. This is known as the law of conservation of momentum and it holds true for all types of collisions.

3. What factors affect the momentum of an object before impact?

The momentum of an object before impact is affected by its mass and velocity. The greater the mass or velocity of the object, the greater its momentum will be.

4. How do you calculate the momentum of an object before impact?

To calculate the momentum of an object before impact, you must multiply its mass by its velocity. This can be represented by the equation p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

5. Can the momentum of an object change during a collision?

Yes, the momentum of an object can change during a collision. This is because forces are applied to the objects involved, causing them to accelerate or decelerate and therefore change their velocity. However, the total momentum of the system will always remain constant.

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