- #1
Ishfa
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- Homework Statement
- Classical Mechanics
- Relevant Equations
- s= v0t + 1/2 gt^2
What Determines the Minimum Mass of a Block in a Collision Scenario?
- Thread starter Ishfa
- Start date
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on determining the minimum mass of a block in a collision scenario, emphasizing the importance of understanding velocity relationships between colliding objects. Participants suggest writing expressions for the velocities of the cans involved in the collision and highlight the need to clarify the relationship between the velocities at the moment of impact. The conversation also points out that the minimum mass is linked to the conditions of the collision, particularly when the masses stick together post-collision, affecting the time of flight.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly kinematics.
- Familiarity with quadratic equations and their applications in motion problems.
- Knowledge of collision theory, including elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Ability to analyze velocity as a function of time in collision scenarios.
- Study the principles of kinematics to better understand velocity-time relationships.
- Learn about quadratic equations and their role in solving motion problems.
- Research collision theory, focusing on the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Explore the concept of conservation of momentum in collision scenarios.
Students and educators in physics, engineers working on collision analysis, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of physical interactions during collisions.
- #2
BvU
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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Hi,
See rules etc: explain (in words) what you are doing; make a sketch (Height versus time) of what happens.
We are a bit reluctant to reverse engineer your writings, so you have to help us help you
##\ ##
See rules etc: explain (in words) what you are doing; make a sketch (Height versus time) of what happens.
We are a bit reluctant to reverse engineer your writings, so you have to help us help you
##\ ##
- #3
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- 9,019
The collision time happens once and cannot be double-valued.
You can make your life simpler and avoid quadratics if you consider the velocities.
1. Write expressions for the velocity of each can as a function of time.
2. How is the velocity of the first can v1 related to the velocity of the second can v2 at the time of the collision?
- #4
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In your fifth equation, the one ending …16-1)=0, check where that -1 comes from. It should be something else.
Also, having obtained a quadratic in t that involves the unknown ##v_0##, bear in mind that what you want to find is t, not ##v_0##. So which should you be trying to eliminate?
Btw, what has this to do with "minimum mass of a block"?
Also, having obtained a quadratic in t that involves the unknown ##v_0##, bear in mind that what you want to find is t, not ##v_0##. So which should you be trying to eliminate?
Btw, what has this to do with "minimum mass of a block"?
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- #5
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The minimum mass may have something with another part of the problem, e.g (b) Find the minimum value of the second mass so that the time of flight after the collision is ##t_2## seconds if the masses stick together (or some such thing.)haruspex said: