Solving Collisions with angles problem

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  • Thread starter Thread starter AceInfinity
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    Angles Collisions
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem related to collisions involving angles, specifically focusing on the conservation of momentum in both the x and y components. Participants explore different approaches to analyze the problem, which is derived from a practice physics test.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant clarifies that the problem is not homework but a practice test question aimed at enhancing understanding.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of using conservation of momentum as a vector equation, suggesting that momentum components in any direction are conserved.
  • A participant discusses the initial momentum being directed right and proposes splitting momentum into x and y components for analysis.
  • Calculations are presented for the momentum of one object, with specific values derived from the conservation of momentum in the x direction.
  • There is a suggestion that there are quicker methods to solve the problem by considering components in the y direction or the final direction of the second puck.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the use of conservation of momentum and the need to analyze both x and y components, but there are differing opinions on the most efficient methods to approach the problem.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations and assumptions made by participants may depend on specific angles and values provided in the original problem, which are not fully detailed in the discussion.

AceInfinity
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First off, i'd like to note that this isn't homework, and I've seen other threads in here that deal with question/equation/problems, so I hope this isn't against the rules. I found this on a practice physics test online. I'm just using it for the benefit of my knowledge, nothing more.

I can provide the link if necessary for proof.

Heres the question I want to know how to solve:
[PLAIN]http://k.min.us/ibDXoi.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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ohhh... I think you put me on the right track for beginning to solve this. The initial momentum was
in this case. Therefore the conservation of momentum is seen for that X component, I'll have to split them off into the X and Y components of momentum and look specifically at the X/horizontal component of momentum to use the conservation of momentum, if I'm not mistaken?

4.85 Cos(36o) = 3.92m/s

p = mv
p = (0.200kg)(3.92m/s)
p = 1.2kg•m/s

Solve for momentum of that object.

p = mv
p = (0.200kg)(3.92m/s)
p = 0.784kg•m/s

Momentum of the other object (puck 2) is: 1.2kg•m/s - 0.784kg•m/s

= 0.416kg•m/s [Important: in the x/horizontal direction. need to solve for the angle'd direction]

0.416kg•m/s ÷ [cos(54o)] =

0.707741472...kg•m/s !

I think with "their" answer, they rounded a bit too early.​
 
Last edited:
Hi AceInfinity! :smile:
AceInfinity said:
Momentum of the other object (puck 2) is: 1.2kg•m/s - 0.784kg•m/s

= 0.416kg•m/s [Important: in the x/horizontal direction. need to solve for the angle'd direction]

0.416kg•m/s / [cos(54o)] =

0.707741472...kg•m/s !

yes that's fine :smile:

but there are quicker ways of doing it …

you could take components in the y direction or in the final direction of puck 2 …

(both are quicker because they reduce the number of terms)

try both of those :wink:
 

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