What is the Final Momentum of Three Colliding Balls?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the final momentum of three colliding balls with different masses and velocities. The red ball moves east, the blue ball west, and the green ball north, with respective initial speeds and masses provided. The user breaks down the momentum into x and y components, applying the conservation of momentum principle. Feedback confirms that the approach of using vector addition for momentum is correct. The conversation emphasizes the importance of treating momentum as a vector in collision problems.
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Homework Statement



A red ball is heading due east, a blue ball is moving due west, and a green ball is moving north. They have initial speeds vr,i=20 cm/s, vb,i=10 cm/s, vg,i=10 cm/s. The red ball has a mass of 5 g, the blue ball has a mass of 10g, and the green ball has a mass of 5g. The three balls all collide, and stick together. Find the magnitude and direction of the final momentum of the composite.

Homework Equations


the sum of PI=the sum of PF


The Attempt at a Solution


Ok...without plugging the numbers in this is what I have so far:
I don't really know how to approach this problem, so if someone could tell me if I am starting it on the right path would be great.
I broke it up into x and y components, and for the x component of momentum I have:
MBVB-MRVR=(MR+MB+MG)VFX)

Then for the y component I have:
MGVG=(MR+MB+MG)VFY)

Am I on the right track...or completely missing the point?
 
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Hi ScullyX51! :smile:
ScullyX51 said:
Ok...without plugging the numbers in this is what I have so far:
I don't really know how to approach this problem, so if someone could tell me if I am starting it on the right path would be great.
I broke it up into x and y components, and for the x component of momentum I have:
MBVB-MRVR=(MR+MB+MG)VFX)

Then for the y component I have:
MGVG=(MR+MB+MG)VFY)

Am I on the right track...or completely missing the point?

Yes, that is exactly the right track … :smile:

momentum is a vector, and so it obeys the laws of vector addition …

sometimes physics is that easy! :wink:
 

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