Momentum After Inelastic Collison

In summary, the two hockey pucks have momentums of 35 kg*m/s and 7 kg*m/s, respectively, and after colliding and sticking together, their combined momentum is 42 kg*m/s. This is due to the Law of Conservation of Momentum, which states that momentum is conserved even in inelastic collisions. To find the final speed, you can write an equation for conservation of momentum and solve for the final speed, taking into account the new mass of 2 m.
  • #1
NatalieWise123
14
0

Homework Statement


Two hockey pucks are sliding across the ice in the same direction. One has a momentum of 35 kg*m/s. The other has a momentum of 7 kg*m/s. After the collision, the pucks stick together. What is the momentum of the pucks after the collision?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'd think you'd just add them together because of the Law of Conservation of Momentum but for some reason I'd imagine they'd slow down after hitting. Is 42 kg*m/s the right answer and if so why?[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Even though energy is not conserved in an in an inelastic collision,
momentum is conserved.
So write an equation for conservation of momentum and solve for the final speed.
Remember, you now have a final mass of 2 m.
 

FAQ: Momentum After Inelastic Collison

What is momentum after inelastic collision?

Momentum after inelastic collision refers to the total amount of motion or movement of an object after it has collided with another object and they stick together. It is a measure of the object's mass and velocity combined.

How is momentum conserved in an inelastic collision?

In an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved because the total momentum of the two objects before the collision is equal to the total momentum of the objects after the collision. This means that the total amount of motion remains the same, even though the objects may have changed speed or direction.

What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

The main difference between elastic and inelastic collisions is that in elastic collisions, the two objects bounce off each other after colliding and separate, while in inelastic collisions, the objects stick together after colliding. This is due to the conservation of kinetic energy in elastic collisions, whereas inelastic collisions result in a loss of kinetic energy.

How does the coefficient of restitution affect momentum in an inelastic collision?

The coefficient of restitution, also known as the restitution coefficient, is a measure of how much kinetic energy is conserved in a collision. In an inelastic collision, the coefficient of restitution will be less than 1, indicating a loss of kinetic energy. This means that the momentum of the system will decrease after the collision.

Can momentum be negative after an inelastic collision?

Yes, momentum can be negative after an inelastic collision. This can happen if the objects involved in the collision have opposite directions of motion before the collision. The negative momentum indicates that the object is moving in the opposite direction of its original motion.

Similar threads

Momentum in a perfectly inelastic collision
Replies
6
Views
1K
Velocity and Direction of a System after Inelastic Collision
Replies
2
Views
1K
Potential Energy - 2D inelastic collision - ballistic pendulum
Replies
10
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate the Momentum of a Puck After a Collision?
Replies
5
Views
3K
Calculating Final Velocities in 2D Inelastic Collisions
Replies
14
Views
2K
Question about momentum and kinetic energy.
Replies
5
Views
2K
Why Is the Calculated Angular Momentum of the Pucks Zero?
Replies
5
Views
5K
Elastic Collision and Momentum of Ice Skaters
Replies
16
Views
3K
Elastic and Inelastic Momentum Problem
Replies
1
Views
1K
Conservation of Angular momentum and linear momentum
Replies
7
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top