Universal Gravitation and spheres

AI Thread Summary
To find the final velocities of two spheres before collision, apply the conservation of energy principle by equating gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy. The initial potential energy can be calculated using the formula U = -G(m1*m2)/r, where r is the distance between the centers of the spheres. Use conservation of momentum to establish the relationship between the final velocities, leading to the equations V1f and V2f. The ratio of the final velocities can be derived from their masses and the conservation principles. This approach will yield the symbolic answers for V1f and V2f needed for the problem.
klopez
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
Two spheres are released from rest when the distance between their centers is 12R. Sphere 1 has mass M and radii R while sphere 2 has mass 2M and radii 3R. How fast will each sphere be moving when they collide? Assume that the two spheres interact only with each other. (Use G for gravitational constant, and M and R as necessary.)

I need to find the symbolic answer for V1f and V2f, I have no clue, please help...due in an hour. Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use potential energy. Equate it to final kinetic energy. Use conservation of momentum to figure the ratio of V1f to V2f. You have 1hr, go. If you start showing some work, people will help you even more.
 

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Inverse square law of gravitation and force between two spheres
Replies
8
Views
2K
Newton's shell theorem - all mass is concentrated at its centre
Replies
16
Views
1K
Gravitational Forces between two masses
Replies
5
Views
2K
Required force for sphere start rolling
Replies
2
Views
704
Solving 2-Sphere Collision Problem: M, 2M, R, & 2R
Replies
3
Views
5K
Period and Velocity of Oscillating Sphere Attached to Spring
Replies
10
Views
2K
Charge rearrangement on conducting spheres
Replies
21
Views
4K
Why do you integrate to find the gravitational field?
Replies
3
Views
1K
What Happens to Sphere Velocities After an Elastic Collision?
Replies
1
Views
4K
What is the relationship between pressure and force inside a spherical object?
Replies
5
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top