Solving Momentum vs Energy Problem: Distance of Clay Parts

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two lumps of clay, one thrown into the air and the other suspended, which collide and stick together. Participants are exploring the classification of the problem as an energy problem versus a momentum problem.

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  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the clarity of the problem setup, particularly the description of one lump of clay being suspended. There are inquiries about the specifics of the motion, such as whether the clay was thrown directly up or at an angle. Some are discussing the application of conservation laws, particularly momentum and energy, in analyzing the collision.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the problem's details and the reasoning behind the transition from kinetic energy to potential energy after the collision. There is recognition of the need to analyze both momentum and energy in this context, but no consensus has been reached on the specifics.

Contextual Notes

There is a request for more detailed information about the problem, indicating that the original description may be insufficient for thorough analysis. Participants are also reflecting on common textbook scenarios related to this type of problem.

derfrok
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okay, in class my teacher explained to us a problem where he threw up two lumps of clay into the air where the 2nd one was suspended in mid-air and the 1st one was thrown up into it. They collided and stuck to each other. He wanted us to figure out the distance the two parts of clay traveled.

Okay, the question is really this.. How come it's a Energy Problem rather than a Momentum problem? TIA
 
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can you post the whole question up? this description is abit brief...
 
The problem makes not a whole lot of sense! Two lumps of clay were thrown in the air? Then how was one "suspended" in mid-air? Were they thrown directly up or at an angle? Exactly what distance are you talking about?
 
I recognize this question because it seems to be in every textbook.
(One ball of clay is help by a thread or something)

It does require analysis of both energy and momentum:

in short, you use the conservation of momentum to analyze all problems that feature collisions. Immediately after the collision (the first infinitesimal moment of time)it becomes a conservation of energy problem where the kinetic energy transforms into potential energy.
 
yup that's it.. can you ellaborate more on why after the collision the KE becomes PE in this case? TIA
 

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