Solving Momentum Questions: Inelastic Collisions

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fresko
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Momentum
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving momentum questions related to inelastic collisions, emphasizing the importance of using conservation of momentum rather than kinetic energy, which is not conserved in such collisions. A participant expresses confusion over their calculations, particularly regarding the velocity of a pellet post-collision, which they initially calculate as 180 m/s. Other contributors confirm that this value is plausible given the mass ratio of the pellet to the ball. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in reasoning and calculations while addressing misconceptions about kinetic energy in inelastic collisions. Overall, the consensus is that momentum conservation is the correct approach for these types of problems.
Fresko
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



34zx6l0.jpg


Homework Equations



Mg deltha H

1/2mv^2

p=mv

The Attempt at a Solution



I believe statement to do with the Gravitational energy is correct, considering the equation I listed. I would have to agree with statement 2 since gpe=keHere is what I am thinking, I disagree with the Ke = the same as before collision.

my reason is 1/2mv^2= 0.16j ----- v= sqrt (0.32/71.6ex-3) now if this is correct we can work out the momentum

which i have down as 1.5 x10^-1 using, momentum is conserved we can work out velocity of the pellet which turns out to be 180m/s (I think this could be wrong)

But could I just say that, the collision was inelastic, hence kinetic energy is not conserved, therefore working out velocity from Momentum would be better since momentum is conserved.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
This is a terribly formatted post can you clean it up a bit and make sure your equations are correct and readable?
 
done
 
anyone help?
 
Fresko said:
I disagree with the Ke = the same as before collision.

my reason is 1/2mv^2= 0.16j ----- v= sqrt (0.32/71.6ex-3) now if this is correct we can work out the momentum

which i have down as 1.5 x10^-1 using, momentum is conserved we can work out velocity of the pellet which turns out to be 180m/s (I think this could be wrong)

But could I just say that, the collision was inelastic, hence kinetic energy is not conserved, therefore working out velocity from Momentum would be better since momentum is conserved.
Good answer.
 
haruspex said:
Good answer.

Are you being serious or troll? I can't tell :cry:

If you could outline what is actually good and makes sense in my answer would make me more confident.
 
Fresko said:
Are you being serious or troll? I can't tell :cry:

If you could outline what is actually good and makes sense in my answer would make me more confident.

haruspex is most definately not a troll -- he is one of our very valued Homework Helpers and Science Advisors. :smile:
 
I was being quite serious :smile:. You correctly identified the flaw in the student's reasoning, and that the correct way is to use conservation of momentum.
 
haruspex said:
I was being quite serious :smile:. You correctly identified the flaw in the student's reasoning, and that the correct way is to use conservation of momentum.

but doesn't 180m/s seem to big of a value for the velocity.
 
  • #10
Fresko said:
but doesn't 180m/s seem to big of a value for the velocity.

No, it looks right to me. Remember that the pellet is only 1/90 of the mass of the ball.
 
Back
Top