Someone me with these symbols?

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The discussion centers around understanding the notation used in an impact physics problem, specifically the differences between (v_A)_2x and (v_(Ax))_2. Participants clarify that both notations refer to the x-component of object A's final velocity after a collision, but their representation may vary in different contexts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the sum of momentum components remains constant before and after the collision. Additionally, there is confusion about substituting one notation for the other, which leads to incorrect calculations. Ultimately, the original poster expresses gratitude for the assistance in clarifying these variables.
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Homework Statement



I'm doing an impact physics for engineering question and I cannot tell the difference between

(v_A)_2x & (v_(Ax))_2.

* I don't think I'll need help with solving the actual question if I understand these variables.

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that v_A is object A's initial velocity, however, I don't know how to deal with the _2x. As for the second term above, I have no idea...
 
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c0nfused34235 said:

Homework Statement



I'm doing an impact physics for engineering question and I cannot tell the difference between

(v_A)_2x & (v_(Ax))_2.

* I don't think I'll need help with solving the actual question if I understand these variables.

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that v_A is object A's initial velocity, however, I don't know how to deal with the _2x. As for the second term above, I have no idea...

Welcome to the PF.

Can you post a picture or scan of the use of those symbols?
 
welcome to pf!

hi c0nfused34235! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 button just above the Reply box :wink:)

you mean (vA)2x & (vAx)2 ?

what is the context? :confused:
 
Hi guys, thanks for the warm welcome and quick replies. Here's the question and it's solution. I was trying to figure it out (how they solve it) and I could not understand how they found the 2 variables in the red box (see image attached below). Thanks again.
 

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(v_A)2 is the final velocity of body A, i.e., its velocity after the collision

(v_A)_2x is the x-component of body A's final velocity after collision

(v_(Ax))_2 is the after collision value of A's x-component of velocity

The sum of the x-components of momentum of the system before and after the bodies collide remains constant. The same goes for the y-components of momentum.
 
hi c0nfused34235! :smile:
c0nfused34235 said:
… I could not understand how they found the 2 variables in the red box (see image attached below).

(vA)2x and (vAx)2 are the same

(i've no idea why they've done that :redface:)

so they just add (vA)2x + (vB)2x to (vA)2x - (vB)2x to get 2(vA)2x

(and subtract to get 2(vB)2x) :wink:
 
Could someone please solve for one of them (with steps)? I still don't understand how they solve for those variables. If they are indeed identical, why can't I substitute one set into the other formula? I get completely incorrect values.
 
Last edited:
YES I GOT IT!

Thanks for your help guys!
 

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