Really Hard(for me) head on collision question

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a head-on collision between two snooker balls of equal mass, where a portion of the initial kinetic energy is dissipated. The objective is to determine the coefficient of restitution based on the given conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of energy and momentum, with one participant suggesting the use of the center of mass frame to simplify the analysis. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of initial speeds and the implications for the coefficient of restitution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different frames of reference and questioning the initial assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the center of mass frame, but clarity is still sought on its application.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of specific conditions regarding the initial speeds of the balls, which may affect the analysis. Additionally, one participant has expressed uncertainty about the energy statement used in the problem.

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Homework Statement



A snooker ball hits another one of the same mass head-on.If a quarter of the initial kinetic energy is dissipated in the collision ,what is the coefficient of restitution?

Homework Equations



Ei=Ef

The Attempt at a Solution



Energy statement:
ua+ub=(3/4)*(Va+Vb)

Momentum Conservation:

ua+ub=Va+VbCoefficient of restitution:

e=(Vb-Va)/(ua-ub)

But i cannot go further i have tried everything to get a result...could you please help me ?

The energy statement is wrong but for some reasons i can't put squares on each velocity.
 
Last edited:
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Since no specific conditions about initial speeds are given, why not consider the problem in the center of mass frame? Symmetry is your friend :smile:
 
Ah..can you be more specific ? I didn't quite get what you meant ! :p
 
What can you say about the speeds of the balls in their center of mass frame of reference? How does the expression for coefficient of restitution look in that frame? How about kinetic energy?
 

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