Prooving Elastic Collisions equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the final velocities of two colliding objects in elastic collisions using the equations v1f=((m1-m2)/(m1+m2))*v1i +(2m2/(m1+m2))*v2i and v2f=((2m1/(m1+m2))*v1i+((m2-m1)/(m1+m2))*v2i. The conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy equations are essential for this derivation. Participants emphasize the importance of rearranging terms and dividing the equations appropriately to isolate the final velocities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elastic collisions and their properties
  • Familiarity with conservation of momentum
  • Knowledge of conservation of kinetic energy
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of elastic collision equations in detail
  • Explore examples of one-dimensional elastic collisions
  • Learn about inelastic collisions and their differences from elastic collisions
  • Investigate real-world applications of collision equations in physics
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators seeking to explain the principles of elastic collisions and their mathematical representations.

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Homework Statement


hi everyone ,, how are you all ? ,, i have these two equations and i don't know how to get them :
v1f=((m1-m2)/(m1+m2))*v1i +(2m2/(m1+m2))*v2i
V2f=((2m1/m1+m2))*v1i+((m2-m1)/(m1+m2))*v2i


Homework Equations


m1v1i+m2v2i=m1v1f+m2v2f (conservation of momentum)
0.5m1v1^2i+0.5m2v2i^2=0.5m1v1f^2+0.5m2v2f^2 (conservation of Kinetic Energy)


The Attempt at a Solution


the book reach to taking m1 & m2 as common factor then says divide the kinetic by the momentum then I'll get the results above, but when i divide i get :
v2f=v1i+v1f ,, so someone help me to get the results above because i don't like memorizing and i know that I'll forget in the exam -_-
 
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m1v1i+m2v2i=m1v1f+m2v2f (conservation of momentum)
0.5m1v1^2i+0.5m2v2i^2=0.5m1v1f^2+0.5m2v2f^2 (conservation of Kinetic Energy)

In both the equations collect the terms containing m1 on one side and m2 on other side. Then divide left hand side and right hand side and equate. You will get relation between v1i, v1f ,v2i and v2f. Using this you can find the required result.
 

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