Vector Diagram for Homework - Assistance and Solution

[jsmith613]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Please could someone check my vector diagram

could someone also help me with part (c)

 

[azizlwl]

Part c.
Use conservation of energy.

 

[jsmith613]

Part c.
Use conservation of energy.

well:

0.5*m*u² = 0.5*m*v₁² + 0.5*m*v₂²

but how does this prove anything in relation to the diagram?

 

[Steely Dan]

What is the condition for two vectors to be perpendicular to each other?

 

[space_buster]

Please specify perfectly elastic or partially elastic ?

 

[jsmith613]

What is the condition for two vectors to be perpendicular to each other?

there vector sum = initial magnitude

 

[jsmith613]

Please specify perfectly elastic or partially elastic ?

does not specify - just states "elastically"

 

[Steely Dan]

there vector sum = initial magnitude

Well, that's the condition for conservation of momentum. It's not a direct proof that the paths are perpendicular to each other. A direct proof of that is to take the inner product (or dot product, depending on what you call it) of the two final momentum vectors, and ensure that the result is zero (that is the definition of perpendicular vectors).

 

[jsmith613]

Well, that's the condition for conservation of momentum. It's not a direct proof that the paths are perpendicular to each other. A direct proof of that is to take the inner product (or dot product, depending on what you call it) of the two final momentum vectors, and ensure that the result is zero (that is the definition of perpendicular vectors).

well i have given you all the information I have
apparently it has something to do with Pythagrous but no idea what?