What are the velocity components after an inelastic collision in 2D?

AI Thread Summary
In an inelastic collision involving two equal-mass balls, one moving with velocity v_1 and the other stationary, the goal is to determine the post-collision velocity components. The conservation of momentum is applied, leading to the equation m*v_1 = (m+m)*v_2, resulting in v_2 = 0.5*v_1. However, the correct components of the velocity after the collision are given as 0.5*v_1*sin(α) perpendicular to the plane and v*cos(α) parallel to the plane. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding that energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions, and clarification is needed on the specifics of the collision dynamics. The balls likely move together post-collision, which affects the calculation of their velocities.
corvus606
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Homework Statement


Two balls od the same masses collide, the first one is moving with the velocity v_1, the second is stationary. The angle between them is given by the statement: "the direction of the velocity of the first ball forms an angle \alpha=30^\circ with the plane of osculation of the balls after the collision"
I have to find magnitude and direction of the velocity after the collision.

Homework Equations


\vec{p_1}=\vec{p_2}

The Attempt at a Solution


m\vec{v_1}=(m+m)\vec{v_2}
\vec{v_2}=0,5\vec{v_1}
v_{2x}=0,5v_{1x}=0,5v_1cos\alpha
v_{2y}=0,5v_{1y}=0,5v_1sin\alpha

4. The problem
Sounded good to me but the answer is:
velocity perpendicular to the plane: 0,5v_1sin\alpha
velocity parallel to the plane: vcos\alpha
And I don't have any idea where did I make the mistake :/
 
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corvus606 said:

Homework Statement


Two balls od the same masses collide, the first one is moving with the velocity v_1, the second is stationary. The angle between them is given by the statement: "the direction of the velocity of the first ball forms an angle \alpha=30^\circ with the plane of osculation of the balls after the collision"
I have to find magnitude and direction of the velocity after the collision.

Homework Equations


\vec{p_1}=\vec{p_2}

The Attempt at a Solution


m\vec{v_1}=(m+m)\vec{v_2}
\vec{v_2}=0,5\vec{v_1}
v_{2x}=0,5v_{1x}=0,5v_1cos\alpha
v_{2y}=0,5v_{1y}=0,5v_1sin\alpha

4. The problem
Sounded good to me but the answer is:
velocity perpendicular to the plane: 0,5v_1sin\alpha
velocity parallel to the plane: vcos\alpha
And I don't have any idea where did I make the mistake :/
Two things are conserved: energy and momentum.

Write out the equations that result from the conservation of energy and momentum. You are given the angle of one ball relative to the direction of the incident ball (30 degrees from that direction. At least that is what I am assuming from the peculiar wording you have given).

AM
 
The energy is not conserved in the inelastic collision ;)
 
corvus606 said:
The energy is not conserved in the inelastic collision ;)
Then you will have to explain the question better. What exactly happens after the collision?

AM
 
It isn't clearly stated but most probably the balls are moving "together" (they stick to each other) with a new velocity.
 
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