Solving Air Hockey Collision: Puck A & B Speeds

In summary, the conversation discusses a collision between two pucks on an air-hockey table and the resulting angles and speeds of the pucks after the collision. The equations used are p=mv and the conservation of momentum in the x and y directions. The question asks for the speed of each puck, with the answer for puck B being 0.225.
  • #1
onyxorca
20
0

Homework Statement



The drawing shows a collision between two pucks on an air-hockey table. Puck A has a mass of 0.0160 kg and is moving along the x-axis with a velocity of +7.91 m/s. It makes a collision with puck B, which has a mass of 0.0320 kg and is initially at rest. The collision is not head-on. After the collision, the two pucks fly apart with the angles shown in the drawing. Find the speed of (a) puck A and (b) puck B.

http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/courses/crs2216/art/qb/qu/c07/ch07p_30.gif

Homework Equations



p=mv

The Attempt at a Solution



is it the y-components are equal to each other or the x-component?

.016*7.91*sin65=.032*x*sin37 ?
 
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  • #2
onyxorca said:

Homework Statement



The drawing shows a collision between two pucks on an air-hockey table. Puck A has a mass of 0.0160 kg and is moving along the x-axis with a velocity of +7.91 m/s. It makes a collision with puck B, which has a mass of 0.0320 kg and is initially at rest. The collision is not head-on. After the collision, the two pucks fly apart with the angles shown in the drawing. Find the speed of (a) puck A and (b) puck B.

http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/courses/crs2216/art/qb/qu/c07/ch07p_30.gif

Homework Equations



p=mv

The Attempt at a Solution



is it the y-components are equal to each other or the x-component?

.016*7.91*sin65=.032*x*sin37 ?

The components of the momentum in the x and y directions are separately conserved. Which component of the system's momentum is zero before the collision? Whenyou figure this out, you will be able to answer your question.
 
  • #3
y is 0

so
.016*(.016*7.91)tan65+.032*x*tan37=0 ?

.18/cos37=.225 for b?
 

1. How do you determine the initial speeds of Puck A and Puck B in an air hockey collision?

The initial speeds of Puck A and Puck B can be determined by using the principles of conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy. These principles state that the total momentum and total kinetic energy of a system will remain constant before and after a collision. By measuring the final velocities of the pucks after the collision, along with their masses, the initial speeds can be calculated using the equations for momentum and kinetic energy.

2. What is the role of friction in an air hockey collision?

Friction plays a crucial role in an air hockey collision. The air cushion created by the air hockey table reduces the friction between the pucks and the surface, allowing them to move freely. However, during a collision, friction between the pucks and the table can cause a change in their velocities, affecting the outcome of the collision. This is why the smoothness of the table's surface is essential in ensuring fair and accurate collisions.

3. What factors can affect the outcome of an air hockey collision?

Several factors can affect the outcome of an air hockey collision, including the initial speeds and masses of the pucks, the angle of impact, and the smoothness of the playing surface. The presence of any external forces, such as air currents or vibrations, can also impact the collision. The elasticity and friction of the pucks can also play a role in determining the final velocities after the collision.

4. Can the laws of physics predict the outcome of an air hockey collision accurately?

Yes, the laws of physics, specifically the principles of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy, can accurately predict the outcome of an air hockey collision. By considering all the variables involved, such as the initial speeds and masses of the pucks, the angle of impact, and the presence of external forces, the final velocities of the pucks can be calculated precisely using these principles.

5. Are there any real-world applications of studying air hockey collisions?

The study of air hockey collisions has real-world applications in fields such as sports science, physics, and engineering. By understanding the principles behind these collisions, scientists and engineers can design better air hockey tables and pucks, improve the performance of athletes, and develop new technologies that utilize the same principles. The study of air hockey collisions can also aid in the understanding of other types of collisions, such as those that occur in car crashes or sports injuries.

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