A question on momentum conservation of bodies in combined motion

In summary, the question explores the principles of momentum conservation in systems where multiple bodies are in combined motion. It examines how momentum is transferred and conserved during interactions, such as collisions or separations, emphasizing the importance of understanding initial and final momentum states. The discussion highlights key concepts such as elastic and inelastic collisions, along with the mathematical formulations used to analyze these scenarios.
  • #1
internationallove089
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TL;DR Summary
momentum conservation, newton's laws
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Frictions are neglected in the system pictured. Here, a 1kg object released from above moves the car underneath. When this object falls off the car, what is its speed in m/s?

This question was asked from momentum conservation, but I didn't want to do it from there. Can you solve the question from momentum conservation first? Secondly, the answer in my solution is not included in the options..

I find the answer to be 0.29 m/s.

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  • #2
You should try momentum and mechanical energy conservation because it is the easier approach to this problem. Note that momentum is conserved in the horizontal direction but not the vertical. Once you have seen how the answer is put together, you can then try sorting out the kinematics equations and free body diagrams.

Whichever way you try to solve this, use symbols instead of numbers to keep track of what you are doing and helps us figure out where you went wrong in case you need additional help. Also, please take some time to learn how to use LaTeX to post your equations. Click on the link "LaTeX Guide" above the "Attach files" button.
 
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  • #3
kuruman said:
You should try momentum and mechanical energy conservation because it is the easier approach to this problem. Note that momentum is conserved in the horizontal direction but not the vertical. Once you have seen how the answer is put together, you can then try sorting out the kinematics equations and free body diagrams.

Whichever way you try to solve this, use symbols instead of numbers to keep track of what you are doing and helps us figure out where you went wrong in case you need additional help. Also, please take some time to learn how to use LaTeX to post your equations. Click on the link "LaTeX Guide" above the "Attach files" button.
The objects move together, so we need to find the speed of the object as it leaves the end of the car to solve for conservation of momentum. But for this, we need to determine the final speed in the system in which they move together..
 
  • #4
internationallove089 said:
The objects move together, so we need to find the speed of the object as it leaves the end of the car to solve for conservation of momentum. But for this, we need to determine the final speed in the system in which they move together..
"Move together" means that one does not move relative to the other and they have the same velocity and acceleration. If the block falls off the wedge, it does "move together" with the block. It moves separatly from the block with its own velocity and acceleration down the incline. The wedge on wheels moves with horizontal velocity and acceleration to the right.
 

FAQ: A question on momentum conservation of bodies in combined motion

What is momentum conservation?

Momentum conservation refers to the principle that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it. This means that the momentum before an event (like a collision) is equal to the momentum after the event, provided that no external forces interfere.

How is momentum calculated for combined motion?

Momentum is calculated as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. For combined motion, the total momentum of the system is the vector sum of the momenta of all individual bodies involved. If two bodies collide, for example, their combined momentum can be expressed as: \( p_{\text{total}} = m_1 v_1 + m_2 v_2 \), where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity.

What happens to momentum in an inelastic collision?

In an inelastic collision, the total momentum of the system is conserved, but the kinetic energy is not. The colliding bodies may stick together or deform, resulting in a loss of kinetic energy, which is transformed into other forms of energy (like heat or sound). However, the total momentum before and after the collision remains the same.

Can momentum be conserved in an explosion?

Yes, momentum is conserved during an explosion. When an object explodes, the fragments move away from the center of the explosion with various velocities. The total momentum of all the fragments, when summed vectorially, will equal the momentum of the original object before the explosion, assuming no external forces act on the system.

How do external forces affect momentum conservation?

External forces can change the total momentum of a system. If external forces are present, the momentum of the system may not be conserved. For example, if a force acts on a moving body during a collision, the momentum after the collision may differ from the momentum before the collision. Therefore, for momentum conservation to hold, the system must be isolated from external influences.

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