Simple part of a hard problem involving momentum/kinetic energy conservation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving momentum and kinetic energy conservation with two balls of masses 36 g (mA) and 64 g (mB). The velocity of the lighter ball (mA) before impact is calculated to be -0.48 m/s, while the speed of the heavier ball (mB) is estimated at 1.23 m/s. The participants debate the method for determining the maximum height of each ball post-collision, emphasizing the use of the equation mgh = 1/2mv^2. Clarifications are sought regarding the initial speed of mass A just before the collision, indicating a misunderstanding of the application of conservation principles.

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  • Understanding of momentum conservation principles
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  • Familiarity with quadratic equations in physics
  • Basic concepts of elastic collisions
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  • Study the derivation and application of the momentum conservation equation in elastic collisions
  • Learn how to apply the kinetic energy conservation equation in collision scenarios
  • Explore the relationship between height and velocity using the mgh = 1/2mv^2 equation
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Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as anyone involved in solving problems related to momentum and energy conservation in collisions.

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"Simple" part of a hard problem involving momentum/kinetic energy conservation

Two balls, of masses mA = 36 g and mB = 64 g are suspended as shown in Figure 7-44. The lighter ball is pulled away to a 60° angle with the vertical and released.
(a) What is the velocity of the lighter ball before impact? (Take the right to be positive.)
c) What will be the maximum height of each ball (above the collision point) after the elastic collision?

I found the velocity for ball A which I know to be correct -.48 m/s with the kinetic energy and momentum conservation equations, and also the ball B speed 1.23 which I'm not sure about. The part I'm having problems with is the heights. I've been told to use this equation: mgh=1/2mv^2, but this equation gives me .01 for Ball A which is not correct. What am I doing wrong?
 
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You need to describe the problem in more detail. Where's the figure, for example?

How did you find the initial speed of mass A just before the collision?
 
Here is the image
I hope...
http://www.webassign.net/giancoli/7-44fig.gif
I found that velocity by solving the momentum conservation equation mav=mav1 + mbv2 for v2 and plugging into the kinetic energy conservation equation 1/2mav^2=1/2mav1^2+1/2mbv2^2
This became a quadratic equation which I solved, and then plugged v1 back into the equation for v2 that I found.
 
We must be talking about different things. I asked how you found the speed of mass A just before the collision--which is the answer to part (a). That answer is not found using conservation of momentum or kinetic energy.

My point is that the same principle used to solve (a) can be used to solve (c).
 

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