Solve Momentum Problem: Find Ball Velocities

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving an inelastic collision problem involving two balls with masses m1 = 2kg and m2 = 2.5kg. The initial velocity of ball m1 is 5 m/s, and after the collision, it deviates by 35 degrees while ball m2 moves off at an angle of 50 degrees. The conservation of momentum equations in both x and y directions were applied to derive the final velocities, resulting in a calculated final velocity for ball m1 (v1f) of 3.84 m/s. The methodology and calculations presented are confirmed as correct for this type of physics problem.

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Homework Statement



A ball of mas m1 = 2kg is moving with a speed of 5 m/s and collides with a ball of mass m2 = 2.5 kg (there are losses so the collision is inelastic). After the collision the incoming ball has deviated by 35 degrees from its origin. The struck ball has moved off at an angle of 50 degrees. Find both balls final velocities.


Homework Equations



Pxi = Pxf
Pyi = Pyf


The Attempt at a Solution



I think solved it, if someone could though, I would like to have it checked to make sure I did it right. Thanks in advance.

I found the Conservation of Momentum in the x:

m_{1}v_{1ix} = m_{1}v_{1fx} + m_{2}v_{2fx}
m_{1}v_{1}cos(0) = m_{1}v_{1f}cos(35) + m_{2}v_{2f}cos(-50)

m_{1}v_{1} = m_{1}v_{1f}cos(35) + m_{2}v_{2f}cos(-50)

Then I found it in the y and solved for v_{2f}

m_{1}v_{1iy} = m_{1}v_{1fy} + m_{2}v_{2fy}
m_{1}v_{1i}sin(0) = m_{1}v_{1f}sin(35) + m_{2}V_{2f}sin(-50)
0 = m_{1}v_{1f}sin(35) + m_{2}v_{2f}sin(-50)

m_{1}v_{1f}sin(35) = -m_{2}v_{2f}sin(-50)

v_{2f} = \frac{-m_{1}v_{1f}sin(35)}{m_{2}v{2f}sin(-50)}

Then I plugged it into the x equation.

m_{1}v_{1} = m_{1}v_{1f}cos(35) + m_{2}\frac{-m_{1}v_{1f}sin(35)}{m_{2}sin(-50)}cos(-50)}

Then solved for v_{1f}

v_{1f}[\frac{-m_{1}sin(35)cos(-50)}{sin(-50)} + m_{1}cos(35)] = m_{1}v_{1i}

v_{1f}[\frac{-2sin(35)cos(-50)}{sin(-50)} + 2cos(35)] = 10

For v_{1f} I got 3.84. Is this the right way to solve this problem?
 
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Looks good to me! :approve:
 
Thanks, you have helped me with a lot of problems, I really appreciate it.
 

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