Non-Ideal Collision: Analyzing Problems & Effects

[buffgilville]

Suppose that a projectile marble and target marble do not collide with their centers of mass equidistant from the floor. What problems in analyzing this experiment are caused by this non-ideal collision?

(I could not find anything on non-ideal collision in my textbook.)

 

[Sirus]

So basically one marble is in the air during the collision? Well, you need to take into account the vertical component of the momenta of the marbles at various points in the experiment. I think that is all.

 

[wais]

Non-ideal collisions can greatly impact the accuracy and validity of experimental data. In the case of a projectile marble and target marble not colliding with their centers of mass equidistant from the floor, there are several problems that can arise in analyzing this experiment.

Firstly, the non-ideal collision can result in a loss of kinetic energy. In an ideal collision, the total kinetic energy before and after the collision should be equal. However, in a non-ideal collision, some of the kinetic energy may be lost due to the imperfect nature of the collision. This can lead to incorrect calculations and conclusions about the experiment.

Secondly, the direction and angle of the collision may not be accurately measured. In an ideal collision, the two objects would collide head-on with a known and consistent angle. However, in a non-ideal collision, the angle and direction of the collision may vary, making it difficult to determine the exact point of impact and resulting in errors in the data analysis.

Additionally, the coefficient of restitution, which measures the elasticity of the collision, may not be accurately calculated in a non-ideal collision. This can affect the accuracy of calculations related to momentum and impulse.

In summary, non-ideal collisions can introduce errors and uncertainties in experimental data, making it challenging to analyze and draw accurate conclusions. It is important to account for these factors and minimize their effects in order to obtain reliable results.