Non-Headon Collision Vector Representation

[shredder666]

Why does a non head on collision between objects with momentum and an object without momentum result in a 90 degree split? (objects have similar mass)

Could you please represent this in vector form? I'm not sure how I could represent this because it's not a head on collision but a side swipe...

 

[rcgldr]

Normallly the objects have to be the same size, and there can be no losses in the collision (elastic collision), and the objects have to be free to travel in any direction, at least any direction on a plane.

 

[shredder666]

well yea those conditions are assumed

 

[Bob S]

See
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=311193&highlight=collision+equal+mass

 

[shredder666]

I still don't get how the collision results in a 90 degree angle, could someone show me some vector calculation with variables

 

[Bob S]

I still don't get how the collision results in a 90 degree angle, could someone show me some vector calculation with variables

You have to write down the x and y components of momentum and energy, and solve the equations, See Andy Mason's post #5 in
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=311193&highlight=collision+equal+mass
and determine what kind of triangle with sides A, B, and C (if any) satisfies the relation A²+B² = C².

 

[shredder666]

oh ok thanks