What Causes the Difference in Calculated Angles in Inelastic Collision Problems?

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In inelastic collision problems, when two objects of equal mass and speed collide and move together at half their initial speed, the angle between their initial velocities can be calculated using momentum conservation principles. The initial attempt to solve the problem incorrectly oriented the diagram, leading to confusion in the momentum equations. The correct approach involves setting the x-component of momentum equal to zero and properly accounting for the y-component to find the angle. The calculations indicate that the angle derived was likely the external angle rather than the internal angle, which is why the expected answer was not achieved. Understanding the correct orientation and application of momentum conservation is crucial for accurate results in these scenarios.
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After a completely inelastic collision, two objects of the same mass and initial speed are found to move away together at 1/2 their initial speed. Find the angle between the initial velocities of the objects.

Solution is here http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~senglish/APphysicswebsite/collisions/solutions%20on%20collisions/17.pdf

My first atempt to solve this problem was drawing my diagram so that both objects converge towards the positive y-axis instead of the positive x-axis as seen in solution.

v=initial velocity vf= final velocity
so the x-comp mv cos A - mv cos B= 0
y-comp mv sin A + mv sin A = 2m vf

Well it didn't work, so i gave up and redrew my diagram like the one in the solution and solved it that way. I'm starting to conclude that my original idea solved for a different angle for the problem.

What did i do wrong in solving the problem with my original diagram with the objects converging towards the positive y-axis
 
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NOTE:
The x component momentum is

mv cosA - mv cosB = 0

not

mv cosA - mv sinA
 
Hyperreality said:
NOTE:
The x component momentum is

mv cosA - mv cosB = 0

not

mv cosA - mv sinA

typo :mad:

anyway your right

my calculations so far
x-comp mv cos A - mv cos B= 0 A=b but then its 0=0 which doesn;t really help

so looking at the y-comp
y-comp mv sin A + mv sin A = 2m vf

2mv sinA = 2mv 1/2v

sin A = 1/2
A= 30 degrees x2 60 degrees

The answer is suppose to be 120 degrees, but then my answer plus the actual is 180 degrees. Therefore i think the angle i solved for was the outside angle, but why :confused:
 
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