Solving 2-Sphere Collision Problem: M, 2M, R, & 2R

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two spheres with different masses and radii, released from rest at a specified distance apart. The objective is to determine their velocities upon collision, using principles of conservation of energy and momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of potential energy changes and the application of conservation laws. There are attempts to derive equations relating the velocities of the spheres and to check the algebra involved in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on checking algebraic steps and ensuring the equations are set up correctly. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the variables involved, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the spheres only interact with each other, and there is a focus on the correct application of energy conservation and momentum principles. Specific numerical values and results are being questioned for accuracy.

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Homework Statement



Two spheres having masses M (sphere 1) and 2M (sphere 2) and radii R and 2R, respectively, are released from rest when the distance between their centers is 8R.
How fast will sphere 1 be moving when they collide? Assume that the two spheres interact only with each other. Enter your answer in units of sqrt(GM/R).
How fast will sphere 2 be moving when they collide? Enter your answer in units of sqrt(GM/R)

Homework Equations


-Gmm/r
(mv^2)/2
m1v1 + m2v2 = 0 since starts at rest

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay.
So what I did was I first calculated initial PE and Final PE. I then calculated the change in PE which turned out to be -5GM^2/12R
Then, I equated it to deltaKE = -deltaPE which i got as (Mv1^2)/2 + (2Mv2^2)/2 = 5GM/12R.
I used conservation of momentum to find out the ratio of V1 to V2 which was V2 = -1/2(V1)
After that I substituted that to the equation above and solved for V1 as 20GM/36R.
But it says it is wrong. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
 
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Please show your working for the change in potential energy.
 
PEi = GM2M/8R = -GM^2/4R and PEf = GM2M/3R = -2GM^2/3R

delta PE = Final - initial

make them so that they have common base which is -8GM^2/12R + 3GM^2/12R
 
OK I see ... so for conservaton of energy and momentum respectively you got:

$$v_1^2 + 4v_2^2 = \frac{10}{12}\frac{GM}{R}\\
v_1 + 2v_2 = 0$$ ... after dividing through by M in both equations and multiplying through by 2 in the top one.
That about right?

After that it is solved by simultaneous equations.
... your reasoning seems sound, so you need to check your algebra.
 

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