Elastic Collision of 2 Masses: Calculating \(v'\) and \(V_0'\)

In summary, the conversation discusses two masses, one with mass $M$ and velocity $V_0$, and the other with mass $m$ and velocity $0$. By applying equations (*) and (**), it is determined that $v' = \frac{M(V_0 - V_0')}{m}$ and $V_0 + V_0' = \frac{M(V_0 - V_0')}{m}$. The question is then posed of how to write $v'$ and $V_0'$ in terms of their masses and $V_0$.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
We have 2 masses: one with mass \(M\) with velocity \(V_0\) and the other with mass \(m\) and velocity \(0\).
\begin{align}
MV_0 &= MV_0' + mv'\\
M(V_0 - V_0') &= mv'\qquad (*)\\
MV_0^2 &= MV_0^{'2} + mv^{'2}\\
M(V_0 - V_0')(V_0 + V_0') &= mv^{'2}\qquad (**)
\end{align}
So let's take \(\frac{(**)}{(*)}\Rightarrow V_0 + V_0' = v'\)

How do I write \(v'\) and \(V_0'\) in terms of their masses and \(V_0\)?
 
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  • #2
dwsmith said:
We have 2 masses: one with mass \(M\) with velocity \(V_0\) and the other with mass \(m\) and velocity \(0\).
\begin{align}
MV_0 &= MV_0' + mv'\\
M(V_0 - V_0') &= mv'\qquad (*)\\
MV_0^2 &= MV_0^{'2} + mv^{'2}\\
M(V_0 - V_0')(V_0 + V_0') &= mv^{'2}\qquad (**)
\end{align}
So let's take \(\frac{(**)}{(*)}\Rightarrow V_0 + V_0' = v'\)

How do I write \(v'\) and \(V_0'\) in terms of their masses and \(V_0\)?

So you could do
\begin{align*}
v'&= \frac{M(V_0-V_0')}{m} \\
V_0+V_0'&= \frac{M(V_0-V_0')}{m}
\end{align*}
Solve for $V_0'$ ...
 

FAQ: Elastic Collision of 2 Masses: Calculating \(v'\) and \(V_0'\)

What is an elastic collision?

An elastic collision is a type of collision in which the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved. This means that the total energy before the collision is equal to the total energy after the collision.

How is the velocity of an object after an elastic collision calculated?

The velocity of an object after an elastic collision can be calculated using the equation: v' = ((m1-m2)*v + 2m2*v0) / (m1+m2), where m1 is the mass of the first object, m2 is the mass of the second object, v is the velocity of the first object before the collision, and v0 is the velocity of the second object before the collision.

What is the difference between v' and v0'?

v' represents the velocity of the first object after the collision, while v0' represents the velocity of the second object after the collision. These velocities can be calculated using the equation mentioned in the previous answer.

What is the importance of calculating the velocities after an elastic collision?

Calculating the velocities after an elastic collision allows us to understand how the objects involved in the collision will behave. It also helps us to determine the amount of energy that is transferred between the objects during the collision.

Can the velocities after an elastic collision be greater than the velocities before the collision?

No, the velocities after an elastic collision cannot be greater than the velocities before the collision. This is because in an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved, so there is no increase in energy during the collision.

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