- #1
Ishfa
- 3
- 0
- 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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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around a collision scenario involving blocks and their respective velocities. The original poster seeks to understand the factors determining the minimum mass of a block in this context, particularly in relation to the timing and dynamics of the collision.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants discuss the relationship between the velocities of the blocks at the time of collision and suggest writing expressions for these velocities as functions of time. There are inquiries about the relevance of certain equations and the implications of the minimum mass in the broader problem context.
Discussion Status
The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem by focusing on velocity relationships and questioning the original poster's equations. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the connection between the minimum mass and the overall scenario.
Contextual Notes
Participants note the importance of understanding the collision dynamics and the implications of mass on the time of flight after the collision, suggesting that the minimum mass may relate to specific conditions outlined in the problem.
- #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
- 15,900
- 9,067
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
- 42,832
- 10,507
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"?
Last edited:
- #5
- 15,900
- 9,067
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: