Solving Momentum vs Energy Problem: Distance of Clay Parts

In summary, the teacher posed a problem in which two lumps of clay were thrown into the air, with one being suspended and the other colliding with it. The question is why this is considered an energy problem rather than a momentum problem. The answer lies in the conservation of momentum, which is used to analyze collisions. After the collision, the kinetic energy transforms into potential energy, making it an energy problem.
  • #1
derfrok
5
0
okay, in class my teacher explained to us a problem where he threw up two lumps of clay into the air where the 2nd one was suspended in mid-air and the 1st one was thrown up into it. They collided and stuck to each other. He wanted us to figure out the distance the two parts of clay traveled.

Okay, the question is really this.. How come it's a Energy Problem rather than a Momentum problem? TIA
 
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  • #2
can you post the whole question up? this description is abit brief...
 
  • #3
The problem makes not a whole lot of sense! Two lumps of clay were thrown in the air? Then how was one "suspended" in mid-air? Were they thrown directly up or at an angle? Exactly what distance are you talking about?
 
  • #4
I recognize this question because it seems to be in every textbook.
(One ball of clay is help by a thread or something)

It does require analysis of both energy and momentum:

in short, you use the conservation of momentum to analyze all problems that feature collisions. Immediately after the collision (the first infinitesimal moment of time)it becomes a conservation of energy problem where the kinetic energy transforms into potential energy.
 
  • #5
yup that's it.. can you ellaborate more on why after the collision the KE becomes PE in this case? TIA
 

1. What is the difference between momentum and energy in this problem?

Momentum and energy are both important concepts in physics that describe the motion of objects. Momentum is a measure of an object's mass and velocity, while energy is a measure of an object's ability to do work. In this specific problem, momentum refers to the total momentum of the clay parts after they separate, while energy refers to the kinetic energy of the clay parts.

2. How do I calculate the distance of the clay parts using momentum?

To calculate the distance of the clay parts using momentum, you can use the formula: d = p/m, where d is the distance, p is the momentum, and m is the mass of the clay parts. This formula assumes that the clay parts are traveling in a straight line and that there are no external forces acting on them.

3. Can I use energy to solve this problem instead of momentum?

Yes, you can use energy to solve this problem instead of momentum. In fact, using energy may be easier in some cases since it does not require the use of vector quantities like momentum does. To calculate the distance using energy, you can use the formula: d = √(2KE/m), where d is the distance, KE is the kinetic energy, and m is the mass of the clay parts.

4. What are the units for the distance of the clay parts in this problem?

The units for the distance of the clay parts will depend on the units used for momentum and energy. If momentum is given in kg·m/s and energy is given in joules, then the distance will be in meters. However, if different units are used, the distance may be in different units as well.

5. Are there any other factors that may affect the distance of the clay parts in this problem?

Yes, there may be other factors that could affect the distance of the clay parts, such as air resistance, friction, or external forces acting on the clay parts. These factors may change the final distance from the calculated value, so it is important to consider them when solving the problem.

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