What Speed and Angle Does m2 Leave After Collision?

  • Thread starter texan14
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Momentum
In summary, the problem involves two masses, m1 and m2, with m1 initially moving along the x-axis and colliding with m2 at rest. After the collision, m1 changes direction and travels along the y-axis. Half of the original kinetic energy is lost in the collision. The equations used to solve the problem are 1/2KE(initial) = KE(final), (1/2)Pix = Pfx, (1/2)Piy = Pfy, and Pix = vom1. The challenge lies in finding the values of θ and u2 in terms of known variables.
  • #1
texan14
7
0

Homework Statement



A mass "m1" moves along the x-axis with velocity of magnitude v0 on a frictionless table. It strikes another mass m2 which is initially at rest. The mass m1 goes off along the y-axis. If half the original kinetic energy is lost in the collision, with what speed and at what angle does m2 leave the point of collision?

Homework Equations



1/2KE(initial) = KE(final)
(1/2)Pix=Pfx
(1/2)Piy=Pfy

The Attempt at a Solution



Pix=vom1
Pfx=u2m2cosθ
Piy=0
Pfy=u1m1 - u2m2sinθ

I think these are the initial and final components of momentum, but I don't know how to find θ and u2 in terms of known variables.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
hi texan14! :smile:
texan14 said:
1/2KE(initial) = KE(final)
(1/2)Pix=Pfx
(1/2)Piy=Pfy

Pix=vom1
Pfx=u2m2cosθ
Piy=0
Pfy=u1m1 - u2m2sinθ

you seem to be confusing KE and momentum :confused:

what is your KE equation?​
 

FAQ: What Speed and Angle Does m2 Leave After Collision?

1. What is a 2-dimensional momentum problem?

A 2-dimensional momentum problem is a type of physics problem that involves calculating the momentum of objects in two dimensions. This means that the objects are moving in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and their momentum must be calculated taking into account both components.

2. How is momentum defined in 2-dimensional problems?

Momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. In a 2-dimensional problem, this means that the momentum in the horizontal direction is calculated as mass x horizontal velocity, and the momentum in the vertical direction is calculated as mass x vertical velocity.

3. What is the formula for calculating momentum in 2 dimensions?

The formula for calculating momentum in 2 dimensions is p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. In a 2-dimensional problem, this formula is applied separately for the horizontal and vertical components of momentum.

4. What are some common real-life applications of 2-dimensional momentum problems?

2-dimensional momentum problems are commonly used in physics and engineering to calculate the trajectory of objects in motion, such as projectiles or vehicles. They are also relevant in sports, such as calculating the momentum of a soccer ball after it is kicked.

5. What are some strategies for solving 2-dimensional momentum problems?

One strategy for solving 2-dimensional momentum problems is to break down the problem into its horizontal and vertical components, and then use the formula p = mv for each component. Another strategy is to use conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by external forces. This can be helpful in more complex problems involving multiple objects interacting with each other.

Similar threads

Back
Top