What is the momentum and velocity of each ball after hit?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a collision between two balls of different masses, where one ball is initially moving and the other is stationary. The discussion centers on determining the momentum and velocity of each ball after the collision, taking into account their respective angles of travel post-collision.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculations for the velocities and momenta of the balls after the collision, with some providing their attempts at solutions. There are questions regarding the use of angles in the calculations and the need for showing work to validate answers.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confusion about the correct equations to use for solving the problem, particularly in relation to the angles involved. There is a request for clarification on how to approach the conservation of momentum in both the x and y directions. The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on the correct methodology, with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of examples in their textbooks or course materials that relate directly to this problem, which may contribute to the confusion regarding the approach to take.

j doe
Messages
37
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


A 3.50 kg ball with a velocity of 10.00 m/s collides with a stationary ball with a mass of 5.00 kg. After the collision, the first ball travels at a 42.6 degree angle from its original path, while the second ball travels at a -26.7 degree angle from the other ball's original path.

1) What is the momentum of each ball after the collision?

2) What is the velocity of each ball after the collision?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


i got -1.76 m/s for the first ball and 8.24 m/s for the second ball. am i correct? and for momentum both of the balls will have a momentum of 35.00 Ns?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Show your working. Otherwise there's no way for anybody to say whether you're correct without having to do the whole problem for themselves.
 
andrewkirk said:
Show your working. Otherwise there's no way for anybody to say whether you're correct without having to do the whole problem for themselves.
for the first ball i did [(3.50kg-5.00kg)(10.00m/s)] / (3.50kg+5.00kg) = -1.76 m/s and for the second ball i did [2(3.50kg)(10.00m/s)] / (3.50kg+5.00kg) = 8.24 m/s. for momentum i did p = (3.50kg)(10.00m/s)
 
You don't appear to have used the angles at all. You need to use them to get the correct answer.

Split each momentum vector into two components, one parallel to the direction of motion of the first ball (call that the ##x## direction) and the other perpendicular to it, but in the same plane as all momentum vectors before and after the collision (call that the ##y## direction).

Let ##u## and ##v## be the speeds of the large and small balls after the collision. Then write equations that specify conservation of momentum in the ##x## and ##y## directions. You will have two equations, and two unknowns, so you can solve.
 
andrewkirk said:
You don't appear to have used the angles at all. You need to use them to get the correct answer.

Split each momentum vector into two components, one parallel to the direction of motion of the first ball (call that the ##x## direction) and the other perpendicular to it, but in the same plane as all momentum vectors before and after the collision (call that the ##y## direction).

Let ##u## and ##v## be the speeds of the large and small balls after the collision. Then write equations that specify conservation of momentum in the ##x## and ##y## directions. You will have two equations, and two unknowns, so you can solve.
i'm still really confused on which two equations to use. could you please tell me and i'll try to solve it out from there?
 
j doe said:
i'm still really confused on which two equations to use. could you please tell me and i'll try to solve it out from there?

Are you really having to invent this material all by yourself? Your textbook has no examples like it? Your course notes do not do anything like it?
 
Ray Vickson said:
Are you really having to invent this material all by yourself? Your textbook has no examples like it? Your course notes do not do anything like it?
nope
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
34
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K