Seeking help with Collision physics problem

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The discussion revolves around a collision problem involving two masses, m1 and m2, with given velocities before the collision. After colliding, the two masses stick together, and the goal is to find the angle q between the x-axis and their combined direction of motion. The conservation of momentum principle is key, where the x and y components of momentum remain constant before and after the collision. The relationship tan(q) = Py/Px can be used to determine the angle, with momentum calculated as mass times velocity. This approach provides a clear method for solving the problem.
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Mass m1 = 0.7 kg moves with constant velocity v1i = 2.6 m/s along the x-axis and collides with mass m2 = 2.2 kg, which moves with velocity v2i = 4.5 m/s, as sketched below. After the collision, m1 and m2 stick together. Find the angle, q, between the x-axis and the direction of motion of the two masses after the collision. (Answer in degrees.)

Not sure how to go about answering this, if someone could show me how to answer it fully it would be most helpful. Thanks
 

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Physicshelper said:
Mass m1 = 0.7 kg moves with constant velocity v1i = 2.6 m/s along the x-axis and collides with mass m2 = 2.2 kg, which moves with velocity v2i = 4.5 m/s, as sketched below. After the collision, m1 and m2 stick together. Find the angle, q, between the x-axis and the direction of motion of the two masses after the collision. (Answer in degrees.)

Not sure how to go about answering this, if someone could show me how to answer it fully it would be most helpful. Thanks

Well... "The x-component (Px) and y-component (Py) of the momentum are the same after the collision as before it; [therefore,] tan(q)=Py/Px; remember that momentum is (mass)*(velocity)" (UIUC Physics Website).

Hope this helps.
 
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