Physics Help: Calculating Speed for a Sled Collision Test Tomorrow

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two sleds with elastic bumpers colliding on an air-cushion course. The original poster describes the scenario, providing the masses of the sleds and their velocities post-collision, and seeks assistance in calculating their speeds before the impact.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the assumption of an elastic collision and question which principles of physics, specifically energy and momentum, should be applied to solve the problem. There is a focus on identifying relevant concepts rather than detailing specific methods.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants attempting to guide the original poster towards the principles of energy and momentum. However, there is a lack of clarity from the original poster regarding their understanding of these concepts, indicating that further exploration is needed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the problem and mentions that they are translating the task from Norwegian, which may affect their comprehension. There is also a note that the task is for a friend, adding to the complexity of their engagement with the material.

Pytagoras
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Basic physics, need some help :D

Hi, first i would like to start of by saying that i am norwegian, so my english skills is not so good. But anyway, I am having this test tomorrow and i need some help! Its about physics! I translated the task as good as i could!

To sleds with elastic bumpers collides with each other on a air-cussion course. Sled A's mass is 0,1kg, and sled b's mass is 0,4 kg. After the impact, sled A is moving at 0,5m/s and sled B is standing still. Calculate the speed of the to sleds before the impact.

Thanks for all answears!
If something is badly explained, please let me know!
 
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Because it's given that the bumpers are elastic, I guess you should assume that the collision is elastic.

Can you tell me what principle or concept you should apply here? For example, what can you say about the energy and momentum of the sleds?
 
I seriousy don't know, that's the task, i have no more info that that.
I don't have a clue how i should do this :(
 
Pytagoras said:
I don't have a clue how i should do this :(

Yes, but you should try to figure out what principles you should apply by yourself.
Try using the hint I gave you on my last post about the energy and momentum of the two sleds.
 
Okay, I am doing this for a friend, so me myself as i said have no clue :D
Thanks for the help so far :D
 

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