Showing work (Perfectly Elastic Collision)

In summary, two pool balls with equal mass collided head on, with one ball moving at 2.0 m/s west and the other at 5 m/s east. The task is to determine the final velocity of both balls after the collision.
  • #1
madmax2006
8
0

Homework Statement



Two pool balls hit head on. V(1) = 2.0 m/s west, V(2) = 5 m/s east. Mass is the same for each ball.

Homework Equations



7901fde5f0d74ca583013c3f86135133.png


The Attempt at a Solution



m(1)*(-2m/s)^2 + m(2)*(5m/s)^2 =? no idea...I just know that each ball should be going the same speed and direction as the other.

I'm totally confused as to how I show work.

Thank you for reading the probably & attempting to help even if you're not able to. I'm open eyes & ears to everyone.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi madmax2006, welcome to PF.
You have not written the problem completely. what is required in the problem?
 
  • #3
Got it, thanks anyways! :)
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Showing work (Perfectly Elastic Collision)

What is a perfectly elastic collision?

A perfectly elastic collision is a type of collision where the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved. This means that the total energy of the objects before and after the collision remains the same. In other words, the objects involved in the collision do not lose any energy to heat, sound, or deformation.

How is momentum conserved in a perfectly elastic collision?

In a perfectly elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. This means that the total momentum of the objects before the collision is equal to the total momentum of the objects after the collision. This is true for any type of collision, including head-on collisions and oblique collisions.

What are the equations used to solve for the velocities in a perfectly elastic collision?

The equations used to solve for the velocities in a perfectly elastic collision are the conservation of momentum equation and the conservation of kinetic energy equation. These equations are set up based on the known masses and initial velocities of the objects involved in the collision.

Can a perfectly elastic collision occur in real life?

In theory, a perfectly elastic collision can occur in real life. However, in reality, it is nearly impossible to achieve a perfectly elastic collision due to external factors such as friction and air resistance. In most cases, some energy is lost during a collision, making it an inelastic collision.

How does a perfectly elastic collision differ from a perfectly inelastic collision?

In a perfectly elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved, while in a perfectly inelastic collision, the objects stick together and move with a common velocity after the collision. This means that in a perfectly inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is lost and converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound. Additionally, in a perfectly inelastic collision, only momentum is conserved, not kinetic energy.

Similar threads

Speed of charged balls after collision
Replies
13
Views
599
Solving Elastic Collision of Two Balls: Theory & Solutions
Replies
15
Views
2K
Kinetic energy and momentum in an elastic collision
Replies
22
Views
3K
Solving the Elastric 3-Body Collision Problem
Replies
2
Views
2K
MIT OCW 8.01 PS11.3: Elastic Collision Between Ball and Pivoted Rod
Replies
10
Views
1K
Elastic collision of block on block
Replies
4
Views
1K
Work done during a collision -- Change in Kinetic Energy & change in Momentum
Replies
1
Views
1K
Elastic collision with pendulum
Replies
4
Views
4K
Elastic Collision in two dimensions question
Replies
6
Views
2K
Elastic Collision and Momentum of Ice Skaters
Replies
16
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top