What Went Wrong in My Elastic Collision Calculation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a student's confusion regarding the results of their elastic collision calculations. They correctly applied the equations for final velocities but received different results for parts a and b, leading to uncertainty about the accuracy of their calculations. The student calculated the initial speed using two different values for gravitational acceleration, resulting in slightly different outcomes. They express frustration over the discrepancy, questioning the significance of a minor difference in digits and suggesting a possible error in the grading system. The conversation highlights the importance of precision in calculations and the challenges students face in understanding the implications of their results.
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



V1f = (m1 - m2 / m1 + m2) * V1i
V2f = (2m1 / m1 + m2) * V1i
.5mVi^2 + mgyo = .5mVi^2 + mgy1

The Attempt at a Solution



V1 = (2gyo)^(1/2) = (2*9.8*.34)^(1/2) = 2.5815 m/s
a) V1f = (.650 - 4.40 / .650 + 4.40) * 2.5815 = -1.917 m/s
b) V2f = (2*.650 / .650 + 4.40) * 2.5815 = .6645 m/s

I don't understand why part a is wrong and part b is right. Doesn't make any sense to me since the question is asking for the speed after the collision in both part a and b. What did I do wrong?
 
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I worked out v1 independently and got -1.918.
Surely the 4th digit difference is not significant?
I used 9.81 for g and got 2.583 for the initial speed.
 
Delphi51 said:
I worked out v1 independently and got -1.918.
Surely the 4th digit difference is not significant?
I used 9.81 for g and got 2.583 for the initial speed.

My teacher told us to input a lot of digits to be sure our answer is recognized since there is a 2% tolerance built in. Either way our answers would match. I think there must be something wrong with the system to say it is wrong.
 
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