Solving 3 Sphere Collision Problem: Help Needed

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The discussion revolves around solving the three-sphere collision problem involving spheres A, B, and C, which collide at the origin and stick together. Sphere A has a mass of 0.02 kg and an initial velocity of 1.5 m/s to the left, while sphere B has a mass of 0.03 kg with velocities of 0.25 m/s to the left and 0.433 m/s downward. The goal is to determine the initial x and y components of sphere C's velocity, which has a mass of 0.05 kg, so that after the collision, all spheres move at 0.5 m/s in the positive x direction. Participants suggest using momentum equations in both x and y directions, as well as considering the conservation of kinetic energy. The discussion emphasizes applying physical laws to find the required initial velocities for sphere C.
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I'm having trouble with this problem, can someone help:

Spheres A (m=0.02 kg), B (m=0.03 kg), and C (m=0.05 kg), are each approaching the origin as they slide on a frictionless air table. the initial velocity of A is 1.5 m/s horizontally to the left and the x and y components of B's velocity are 0.25 m/s horizontally to the left and 0.433 m/s downward . all three spheres arrive at the origin at the same time and stick together. what must the x and y components of the initial velocity of C be if all three objects end up moving at 0.5 m/n in the +x direction after the collision?
 
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marialo said:
I'm having trouble with this problem, can someone help:
Spheres A (m=0.02 kg), B (m=0.03 kg), and C (m=0.05 kg), are each approaching the origin as they slide on a frictionless air table. the initial velocity of A is 1.5 m/s horizontally to the left and the x and y components of B's velocity are 0.25 m/s horizontally to the left and 0.433 m/s downward . all three spheres arrive at the origin at the same time and stick together. what must the x and y components of the initial velocity of C be if all three objects end up moving at 0.5 m/n in the +x direction after the collision?
Show us your work. What is the principle or physical law that applies here?

AM
 
Try writing the momenutm equations in the x and y directions.

Consider the total kinetic energy before = total kinetic energy after.
 
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