The collision between two pucks

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a collision between two pucks, where puck A is moving with a specified mass and velocity, and puck B is initially at rest. The collision is described as not being head-on, and the goal is to find the final speeds of both pucks after the collision using conservation of momentum equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of momentum equations for both x and y components of the collision. There are attempts to solve for the final velocities of the pucks using substitution methods, with some participants expressing confusion over arithmetic errors and seeking clarification on the steps taken.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the equations used and have shared their own calculated values for the final speeds, which they believe to be correct. There is an ongoing exploration of where discrepancies in calculations may arise, with one participant requesting a step-by-step breakdown to understand the differences in results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem as stated, with a focus on the conservation of momentum principles. There is an acknowledgment of a diagram that may provide additional context, though it is not described in detail.

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Homework Statement


Puck A has a mass of 0.294 kg and is moving along the x-axis with a velocity of 5.55 m/s. It makes a collision with puck B, which has a mass of 0.588 kg and is initially at rest. The collision is not head-on. After the collision, the two pucks fly apart with the angles shown in the drawing. Find the final speed of
Puck A
Puck B

Homework Equations


I have spent an hour on this problem. I have two different eqns one for x and one for y, respectively:
m1v0 = m1v1 cos 65 + m2v2cos 37
and
0 = m1v1 sin 65 - m2v2 sin 37



The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for v2 from the eqn for y and tried to plug that value into the eqn for x. This did not work and I am running out of ideas and patience. Please help! There is also a pic for this problem..
 

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I think you accidentally messed up you arithmetic when solving the question. Your X and Y equations are correct so you've set up your question correctly. i think you have just made a mistake when solving because the substitution of V2' of you Y equation into your X equation is the correct thing to do.

I got V1' = 3.41 m/s; V2' = 2.57 m/s; And these numbers make sense in my mind
 
Your numbers worked out perfectly. I don't understand where i am going wrong, because i am not getting your numbers. can you do a step by step please? id really appreciate it.
 
X-component: m1v1 = m1v1' cos 65 + m2v2'cos 37
Y-Component: 0 = m1v1' sin 65 - m2v2' sin 37

Y: 0 = m1v1' sin 65 - m2v2' sin 37
m1v1' sin 65 = m2v2' sin 37
m1v1' sin65/(m2sin37) = v2' -> Plug in numbers
(0.294 kg)*(v1')*(sin65)/[(0.588 kg)(sin37)] = v2'
0.75298*v1' = v2' -> substitute into the X

m1v1 = m1v1' cos 65 + m2v2'cos 37
(0.294 kg)(5.55 m/s) = (0.294 kg)v1'(cos65) + (0.588 kg)(0.75298v1')(cos37)
1.6317 kg*m/s = 0.12425*v1' kg + 0.3536*v1' kg
1.6317 kg*m/s = 0.4778*v1' kg
v1' = 3.41 m/s -> substiture back into Y

0.75298*v1' = v2'
0.75298*(3.41 m/s) = v2'
v2' = 2.57 m/s

So this was my solution... a lot messier on the computer but i hope you can find where you and i differed in our solutions and this can help you avoid the same mistake in the future.

Cheers
 
Thankyou so much! This was such a help to say the least
 

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