Solve Elastic Collision: Find Velocity & Direction

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the velocity and direction of a ball after a collision. One ball's velocity and direction before collision are not given, and the sum of the velocities before and after the collision can be used to find the missing one. The direction can be determined by remembering that momentum is conserved in the x, y, and z directions. A vector diagram can also be used to aid in finding the direction.
  • #1
thereddevils
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Given two balls of the same mass of known velocities and known direction (before and after collision) , only one of the ball is not given its velocity and direction before collision and i am supposed to find them .

As for the velocity , just take the sum be4 and after collision and evaluate the missing one .

How about the direction ? Do i draw a vector diagram ?
 
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  • #2
To find the velocity remember Momentum and Energy are conserved.

Hard to understand from your question, but it sounds like they are both traveling different 2D or 3D directions before collision, thus when they collide you can remember that Momentum is conserved in the x, y, and z direction. so:
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]px=[tex]\Sigma[/tex]p'x
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]py=[tex]\Sigma[/tex]p'y
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]pz=[tex]\Sigma[/tex]p'z
 
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FAQ: Solve Elastic Collision: Find Velocity & Direction

What is an elastic collision?

An elastic collision is a type of collision in which the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved. This means that the total energy before the collision is equal to the total energy after the collision.

How do you calculate the velocities and directions in an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, the velocities and directions can be calculated using the equations of conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy. These equations take into account the masses and initial velocities of the objects involved in the collision.

What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy is conserved, while in an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is lost as heat or sound. Inelastic collisions also result in a change in the shape or form of the objects involved.

Can elastic collisions occur in real life?

Yes, elastic collisions can occur in real life, although they are rare. Examples include collisions between gas molecules, collisions between subatomic particles, and collisions between billiard balls on a pool table.

How does the angle of collision affect the velocities and directions in an elastic collision?

The angle of collision does not affect the velocities and directions in an elastic collision. This is because the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy equations take into account the components of velocity in different directions, resulting in the same final velocities and directions regardless of the angle of collision.

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