Question about collisions in 2-dimensions

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In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving two billiard balls colliding. The mass and initial velocity of both balls are given, and the final velocity and direction of ball A are also given. The conversation suggests using the law of conservation of momentum to solve for the unknown initial velocity of ball B. It is important to treat the vector components separately when using this method.
  • #1
Blairmc2
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Q.
A 0.150 kg billiard ball (A) is rolling toward a stationary billiard ball (B) at 10.0 m/s. After the collision, ball A rolls off at 7.7 m/s at an andle of 40.0 degrees clockwise from its original direction. What is the speed and direction of Ball B after the collision?

Known:
M of A = .150 kg
M of B = .150 kg
Vi of B = 10.0 m/s
Vf of A = 7.7 m/s[70degrees clockwise]

Implied:
Vi of A = 0 m/s
Ff = 0N

Unknown:
Vi of B = ?

I started out using the law of conservation of energy but I messed up somewhere early and got fully lost...I know you need to use this method to conserve the momentum of each object but I just can't remember how, can someone start please?
 
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  • #2
This is a purely conservation of momentum problem. Pick your x and y axes, initially you have some amount of momentum in x and y due to the motion of ball A and in the final situation you have the same amount of momentum in x and y due to the combined motions of A and B.
 
  • #3
The conservation of momentum

[tex]m\vec{v_{iA}}=m\vec{v_{fA}}+m\vec{v_{fB}}[/tex]
 
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  • #4
Well, using conservation of momentum should do it. Remember, though, that you should treat the vector components separately, i.e. work it out for a chosen x-direction and y-direction. Easiest would be to have ball A roll in the x-direction.EDIT: Wow, the answers keep rolling in. :smile:
 

1. How are collisions in 2-dimensions different from collisions in 1-dimension?

In 2-dimensions, objects have both horizontal and vertical velocities, making the calculations more complex. In 1-dimension, objects only have one velocity, either in the x or y direction.

2. How do you calculate the velocity after a collision in 2-dimensions?

The velocity after a collision in 2-dimensions can be calculated using the conservation of momentum and the conservation of energy principles. This involves taking into account the masses, velocities, and angles of the two objects involved in the collision.

3. What factors can affect the outcome of a collision in 2-dimensions?

The outcome of a collision in 2-dimensions can be affected by factors such as the masses and velocities of the objects involved, the angle of collision, and the presence of external forces like friction or air resistance.

4. Can you predict the path of objects after a collision in 2-dimensions?

Yes, the path of objects after a collision in 2-dimensions can be predicted using mathematical equations and principles such as conservation of momentum and energy. However, this prediction may not be 100% accurate due to the influence of external factors.

5. How do you account for the elasticity of objects in 2-dimension collisions?

In 2-dimension collisions, the elasticity of objects can be taken into account by using the coefficient of restitution (e) in the equations. This represents the ratio of the final and initial relative velocities of the objects and can range from 0 (perfectly inelastic) to 1 (perfectly elastic).

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