The discussion revolves around determining the angle of impact between two colliding balls, where one ball rebounds at an angle of 43°. The context involves concepts from momentum conservation and the geometry of the collision.
The discussion is active, with participants suggesting the need for diagrams and equations to clarify the problem. Some express caution against relying solely on formulas, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying physics. There is an acknowledgment of the potential for deriving relationships between the angles involved.
Participants note that the original poster is not working on a formal homework assignment but is speculating on the topic. There is a suggestion that the angle of impact should be defined clearly to avoid confusion with the rebound angle.
Simon Bridge said:. what is the angle with respect to?
You've already used λ for the rebound angle. Call it something else.bobie said:The angle of impact λ is the angle made by the trajectory of ball A with the line joining the centres of mass of the two balls CA-CB
Isn't there a formula to find directly one angle knowing the other one?haruspex said:draw yourself a diagram of the impact, invent symbols as necessary for the masses, velocities and angles, and write down the equations for conservation of momentum in the co-ordinate directions.
That should result from the momentum equations. Write them out, solve them, post how far you get.bobie said:Isn't there a formula to find directly one angle knowing the other one?
It shouldn't be difficult to work one if in principle it is possibel to find it, right?
Hi Simon, it is not homework (no school) , as usual I am speculating. I was just wondering why it is never mentioned.Simon Bridge said:Besides, giving you the formula, in this case, would amount to "doing your homework for you"; which we like to avoid.