Finding the velocities of two balls before they touch each other

  • Thread starter Eitan Levy
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However, using conservation of energy and momentum is a more general approach that can be applied to a wider range of problems.In summary, the question asks for the velocities of two balls, each with a radius of R and masses of 2m and m respectively, right before they touch each other. Using the equation F=GMm/r^2, one can solve for the velocities using conservation of energy and momentum. The resulting velocities are Vm=√(GM/R) and V2m=0.5√(GM/R).
  • #1
Eitan Levy
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Homework Statement


Two balls are given, the distance between their centers is 8R. Both have a radius of R.[/B]
One ball has a mass of 2m and the other has a mass of m.
The question is: What will be their velocities right before they touch each other
Answer: Vm=√(GM/R), V2m=0.5√(GM/R)

Homework Equations


F=GMm/r2

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried this equation:
9QEWW
https://imgur.com/a/9QEWW , but I don't know how to continue.
Thanks a lot![/B]
 
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  • #2
Have you tried using conservation of energy and momentum?
 
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  • #3
Chandra Prayaga said:
Have you tried using conservation of energy and momentum?
Ohhhh, I thought those questions don't include them, so this is the only way to solve it?
 
  • #4
That is certainly a very simple way.
 

Related to Finding the velocities of two balls before they touch each other

1. What is a simple problem with gravity?

A simple problem with gravity is a situation where an object is falling under the influence of gravity without any other forces acting on it. This can be represented by the equation F = mg, where F is the force of gravity, m is the mass of the object, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

2. How does gravity affect objects?

Gravity causes objects to accelerate towards the center of the Earth at a rate of 9.8 meters per second squared. This means that if an object is dropped, it will fall towards the ground at an increasing speed until it reaches the ground.

3. Can gravity be manipulated?

Gravity is a fundamental force of nature and cannot be manipulated or turned off. However, its effects can be counteracted by other forces, such as the force of air resistance, which can slow down the acceleration of an object.

4. What factors affect the strength of gravity?

The strength of gravity depends on two factors: the mass of the objects and the distance between them. The greater the mass of an object, the stronger its gravitational pull. The farther apart two objects are, the weaker their gravitational attraction will be.

5. Can gravity exist in space?

Yes, gravity exists in space. In fact, it is one of the fundamental forces that govern the motion of planets, stars, and galaxies. The force of gravity between celestial bodies is what keeps them in orbit around each other.

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