Calculate Max Angle of Deflection for Ball on Cord

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a ball with a mass of 0.24 kg colliding with a second ball with a mass of 0.56 kg that is suspended by a cord. After the collision, the second ball moves with a speed of 3m/s. The question asks for the maximum angle of deflection that the second ball will achieve. The solution involves finding the height of the ball after the collision and using trigonometry to determine the angle.
  • #1
bob7
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Homework Statement


A ball with a mass, m1=0.24 kg, initially moves to the right with a speed of 5m/s. The first ball then has an elastic collision with a second ball with a mass of .56kg which is initially at rest. The second ball is suspended just above the table by a cord which is 1.5 meters long. Right after the collision occurs, m2 moves to the right with a speed of 3m/s.

How would I go about calculating the maximum angle of deflection (measured from the vertical) that a ball attached to a cord will achieve?


Homework Equations


In the first part of the question I had to find the mass of the second ball and the final velocity of the first ball. m2=.56kg and Final Velocity of m1 is -2m/s

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
If you know the initial speed of m2, you know it's initial kinetic energy. When it reaches to the top of it's swing all of that will be converted to potential energy. How high does it go? Now use that to find the angle.
 
  • #3
now i found the height to be .46 meters. the length of the cord is 1.5 meters. And I need to find the angle in between the initial position (from it just hanging) to the final position (when it is in the air). Now that creates a triangle, but I can't figure out how to get at that angle. Thanks for all the help!
 
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  • #4
You get at the angle by figuring out some sides and using trigonometry. What's the vertical side? What's the hypotenuse?
 

FAQ: Calculate Max Angle of Deflection for Ball on Cord

What is the formula for calculating the maximum angle of deflection for a ball on a cord?

The formula for calculating the maximum angle of deflection for a ball on a cord is given by:

θ = tan-1(2h/L)

where θ is the maximum angle of deflection, h is the initial height of the ball, and L is the length of the cord.

How do you determine the maximum angle of deflection experimentally?

To determine the maximum angle of deflection experimentally, you will need a ball, a cord, a protractor, and a ruler. First, measure the length of the cord and mark the midpoint. Then, hold the cord at the midpoint and raise the ball to a certain height. Release the ball and observe the angle at which the cord deflects. Measure this angle and use the formula mentioned above to calculate the maximum angle of deflection.

What factors affect the maximum angle of deflection for a ball on a cord?

The maximum angle of deflection for a ball on a cord is affected by the initial height of the ball, the length of the cord, and the mass of the ball. Other factors that may affect the results include air resistance, friction, and the angle at which the cord is released.

Can the maximum angle of deflection be greater than 90 degrees?

No, the maximum angle of deflection cannot be greater than 90 degrees. This is because the formula for calculating the maximum angle of deflection uses the inverse tangent function, which only outputs values between -90 degrees and 90 degrees.

What is the practical application of calculating the maximum angle of deflection for a ball on a cord?

The practical application of calculating the maximum angle of deflection for a ball on a cord is in physics experiments and demonstrations. It can also be used to understand and predict the trajectory of objects in motion, such as a pendulum or a projectile. Additionally, this concept is important in engineering and design, particularly in the construction of structures that need to withstand tension and bending forces.

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