Oblique Elastic Collision Angle Calculation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving an oblique elastic collision problem involving two identical marbles, each weighing 45g. The first marble collides with the second, which is stationary, and continues at an angle of 55 degrees to its original direction. The key to solving this problem lies in applying the conservation of momentum and the conservation of kinetic energy, as the collision is perfectly elastic. Participants emphasized the importance of drawing a vector diagram to visualize the momentum conservation equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum conservation principles
  • Knowledge of elastic collision equations
  • Ability to work with vector diagrams
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as mass and velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of momentum conservation equations in elastic collisions
  • Learn how to construct and analyze vector diagrams for collision problems
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic energy and momentum in elastic collisions
  • Practice solving similar problems involving two-dimensional collisions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and collision theory, as well as educators looking for examples of elastic collision problems.

kingjoshie
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I am unsure about how to go about solving an oblique elastic collision question, I understand that momentum is conserved and how to calculate momentum but unsure as to how to calculate the vectors.

The question is : A 45g marble collides with an identical stationary marble, and continues at 55 degrees to it's original direction. The collision is perfectly elastic. What is the angle between the direction taken by the target ball and the original direction of the incident ball?

Homework Equations

p=mv, not too sure how other equations are set up.


The Attempt at a Solution

I calculated the force of momentum of both the balls and the direction but drew a total blank.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Momentum is conserved. Write a momentum conservation equation, realizing that momentum is a vector. (Hint: Draw a vector diagram illustrating that equation.)

The fact that the collision is elastic will give you another conservation equation. Combine those two equations to figure out the angle between the final velocities of the marbles.
 
Hi, Thanks a lot, I was having a hard time understanding that part but you definitely cleared it up.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K