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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two balls of equal mass colliding, with one initially stationary and the other moving at a velocity v_1. The scenario specifies an angle α=30° between the direction of the first ball's velocity and the plane of osculation after the collision. The objective is to determine the magnitude and direction of the velocity after the collision.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of momentum and energy, noting that energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions. There is a focus on the implications of the angle given in the problem and how it relates to the velocities after the collision.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on writing out the equations for conservation laws, while others are questioning the clarity of the problem statement and the conditions following the collision. Multiple interpretations of the scenario are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the specifics of the collision, particularly whether the balls stick together after the impact, which affects the analysis 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 [tex]v_1[/tex], 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 [tex]\alpha=30^\circ[/tex] 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


[tex]\vec{p_1}=\vec{p_2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


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

4. The problem
Sounded good to me but the answer is:
velocity perpendicular to the plane: [tex]0,5v_1sin\alpha[/tex]
velocity parallel to the plane: [tex]vcos\alpha[/tex]
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 [tex]v_1[/tex], 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 [tex]\alpha=30^\circ[/tex] 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


[tex]\vec{p_1}=\vec{p_2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


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

4. The problem
Sounded good to me but the answer is:
velocity perpendicular to the plane: [tex]0,5v_1sin\alpha[/tex]
velocity parallel to the plane: [tex]vcos\alpha[/tex]
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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