Problem dealing with elastic collisions.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving elastic collisions between Minnie and Mickey Mouse. The key equations needed are conservation of momentum and conservation of energy, but the user struggles with determining the system's initial velocities. It's clarified that the conservation of energy can be used to find these velocities, as potential energy converts to kinetic energy during Minnie’s descent. The user is encouraged to apply these principles to calculate the distances and heights involved in the problem. Understanding these concepts is essential for solving the elastic collision scenario effectively.
dban33
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Homework Statement


Minnie mouse (mass m=37.5g) has run to the top of a curved frictionless wedge (height H1=1.15m) She slides down the track and makes a perfectly elastic collision with mickey mouse (mass m=69.8 g) who is at rest. Mickey flies off the table (height H2= .993 m) above the floor and minnie rebounds to a height H3 before she eventually falls off the table.
How far from the edge of the table, X1, does mickey land?
How high up, H3, does minnie rebound?
How far from the edge of the table, X2, does minnie land?


Homework Equations


The equation I thought of using was M1V1i+ M2V2i=M1V1f + M2V2f.
This is not correct.


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to use the equation above but I do not know the velocity of the system so that made me stop. Is that the equation I use? I do not know where to start on this one because I do not have a starting equation to use.
 
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dban33 said:
The equation I thought of using was M1V1i+ M2V2i=M1V1f + M2V2f.
This is not correct.
…
I tried to use the equation above but I do not know the velocity of the system so that made me stop. Is that the equation I use? I do not know where to start on this one because I do not have a starting equation to use.

Hi dban33! :smile:

For a collision between two bodies, you need two equations.

For any collision, one of those equations is conservation of momentum (that's the equation you quoted).

For an elastic collision (only), the other equation is (instantaneous) conservation of energy.

Have a go! :smile:
 
Ok good I am sortof on the right path then with the conservation of mometum equation. Is the conservation of energy equation V1i-V2i=-(V1f-V2f).

Both of these equations involve velocity though and I was not given that in the problem, where do I get that from?
 
Hi dban33! :smile:
dban33 said:
Ok good I am sortof on the right path then with the conservation of mometum equation. Is the conservation of energy equation V1i-V2i=-(V1f-V2f).

Nooo … that equation's rubbish … burn it!

Conservation of energy is KE + PE = constant.
Both of these equations involve velocity though and I was not given that in the problem, where do I get that from?

You'll get the velocity from the conservation of energy equation (the PE doesn't involve velocity). :wink:
 
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