What happens when two masses collide and one is at rest?

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In a collision between two masses, where one mass is at rest, the final velocities can be perpendicular under specific conditions. The discussion emphasizes the use of momentum conservation in both the x and y directions, which allows for the formulation of equations to solve the problem. Participants suggest creating two systems of equations that incorporate both energy conservation and momentum conservation to analyze the collision. The approach highlights the importance of treating momentum as a vector quantity in two dimensions. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving collision problems effectively.
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Imagine a point mass m1 collides a mass m2 and m2 is at rest.In what condition the final velocity of two masses,will be prependicular to each other?
thanks
 
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Hi Shyan! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:
 
I just have the formulas relating the magnitude of final and initial velocities in one dimension but,as you can see,this problem is two dimensional.
 
yes, the energy formula is one-dimensional,

but the momentum formula is a vector formula, so it's as many dimensions as there are :wink: …

in this case, you can write the momentum formula twice, for the x and y directions separately …

what do you get? :smile:​
 
And then make two systems of equations one with energy equation and x momentum equation and one with energy equation and y momentum equation?
 
it's not really two systems, it's just three equations …

try it and see! :smile:​
 

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