Inelastic collision followed by circular motion

In summary, an inelastic collision followed by circular motion is when two objects collide and stick together, resulting in a change in their velocities and causing them to move in a circular path. This is different from an elastic collision, where the objects bounce off each other and maintain their individual velocities. Factors such as the masses and initial velocities of the objects, as well as external forces, can affect the outcome of an inelastic collision followed by circular motion. Momentum is conserved in this type of collision because the total momentum before and after the collision is the same. Real-life examples include car crashes and games of pool.
  • #1
Sal Coombs
1
1
Homework Statement
A 3.0-kg mass is sliding on a horizontal frictionless surface with a speed of 3.0 m/s when it collides with a 1.0-kg mass initially at the bottom of a circular track. The masses stick together and slide up a frictionless circular track of radius 0.40 m. To what maximum height, h, above the horizontal surface (the original height of the masses) will the masses slide?
Relevant Equations
mv = mv Momentum
1/2mv^2 Kinetic Energy
mgh Potential Energy
(mv^2)/r Centripetal Force
Found the speed at which the masses will travel after their collision: 2.25m/s
Not sure what to do next...
 
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  • #2
Sal Coombs said:
Found the speed at which the masses will travel after their collision: 2.25m/s
Not sure what to do next...
What happens when the masses follow the circular track?
 
  • #3
To expand on @PeroK's question, there are three distinct possibilities. Can you list them?
 

FAQ: Inelastic collision followed by circular motion

What is an inelastic collision?

An inelastic collision is a type of collision in which the kinetic energy of the system is not conserved. This means that the total kinetic energy of the objects before and after the collision is not the same. In an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound.

How does an inelastic collision affect circular motion?

An inelastic collision can affect circular motion by changing the velocity and direction of the object in motion. In circular motion, the object moves in a circular path at a constant speed. However, if an inelastic collision occurs, the object's velocity and direction may change, causing it to deviate from its circular path.

What factors influence the outcome of an inelastic collision?

The outcome of an inelastic collision is influenced by factors such as the masses, velocities, and angles of the objects involved. The type of materials and the forces acting on the objects can also affect the outcome of the collision.

How is momentum conserved in an inelastic collision?

In an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved even though kinetic energy is not. This means that the total momentum of the system before and after the collision remains the same. This can be seen in the change in velocities and directions of the objects involved in the collision.

Can an inelastic collision followed by circular motion result in a perfectly circular path?

No, an inelastic collision followed by circular motion cannot result in a perfectly circular path. This is because inelastic collisions involve some loss of kinetic energy, which affects the object's velocity and direction. The object may still move in a circular path, but it will not be a perfect circle due to the change in velocity and direction caused by the collision.

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