Solving for the Mass and Velocity of a Puck After a Perfectly Elastic Collision

  • Thread starter Azytzeen
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Approach
In summary, the conversation discusses a perfectly elastic collision between a blue puck and a red puck on a frictionless, horizontal air table. The blue puck has a mass of 4.40*10^−2kg and a velocity of 0.250m/s before the collision, and after the collision, its velocity is 5.00*10^−2m/s in the same direction. The conversation also seeks to find the mass and velocity of the red puck, with suggestions to use the equation P=m*v or apply the laws of momentum and kinetic energy conservation. It is advised to look for key words, such as "perfectly elastic collision," to determine which conservation laws to apply.
  • #1
Azytzeen
20
0
A blue puck with a mass of 4.40*10^−2kg , sliding with a speed of 0.250m/s on a frictionless, horizontal air table, makes a perfectly elastic, head-on collision with a red puck with mass x, initially at rest. After the collision, the velocity of the blue puck is 5.00*10^−2m/s in the same direction as its initial velocity.

It asks me for both the mass and the velocity of the red puck.

Well, since neither mass nor velocity is given to me, should I use P=m*v to find the momentum lost and then transfer it to the red puck? Or do I just derive an equation from momentum conservation and plug that into another momentum conservatio equation so I only have one unknown variable, and solve for that? Please advise.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Since u're dealing with an ideally elastic collision,by applying correctly the laws of momentum & KE conservation,u'll get exactly 2 equations for the 2 unknowns:mass & speed.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
Oooh, KE conservation. Thanks. I will try that out now. I always seem to forget about these things every once in a while.
 
  • #4
You should always look for key words."perectly elastic collision" automatically means KE conservation (ok,no relativistic efects);

Daniel.
 

FAQ: Solving for the Mass and Velocity of a Puck After a Perfectly Elastic Collision

How should I approach a new research project?

The first step in approaching a new research project is to clearly define your research question or hypothesis. This will guide your entire research process and help you stay focused. Next, conduct a thorough literature review to see what research has already been done on the topic. This will help you identify any gaps in knowledge and determine the best approach for your own study. Finally, create a research plan and timeline to help you stay organized and on track.

What is the best way to gather data for my research?

The best approach for gathering data will depend on your research question and the type of data you need. Some common methods include surveys, experiments, interviews, and observations. It is important to carefully select your data collection methods and ensure they align with your research objectives.

How do I analyze my research data?

Once you have gathered your data, you will need to analyze it to draw conclusions and support your research findings. The specific analysis methods will depend on the type of data you have collected. This may include statistical analysis, content analysis, or qualitative analysis. It is important to carefully select the appropriate analysis methods and properly interpret the results.

How do I ensure the validity and reliability of my research?

Ensuring validity and reliability is crucial in any scientific research. Validity refers to the accuracy and truthfulness of your findings, while reliability refers to the consistency of your results. To ensure validity, it is important to use appropriate research designs, carefully select participants and data collection methods, and control for any potential biases. To ensure reliability, it is important to use standardized procedures and measures, conduct pilot studies, and have multiple researchers review and analyze the data.

What are the ethical considerations in scientific research?

Ethical considerations are an important aspect of scientific research. Researchers must ensure that their studies do not harm participants and that their rights and privacy are protected. This includes obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and following ethical guidelines set by professional organizations. It is also important to consider potential conflicts of interest and ensure that research is conducted ethically and with integrity.

Similar threads

What Are the Final Velocities of Hockey Pucks After a Glancing Collision?
Replies
4
Views
3K
Calculating Change in Kinetic Energy for a Collision on a Frictionless Air Table
Replies
4
Views
1K
Hockey Puck Collision--momentum problem
Replies
2
Views
4K
Solve for 2D Elastic Collision: Find θ & φ Angles
Replies
4
Views
2K
Why Does Kinetic Energy Seem Lost in a Collision Despite No Friction?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Collision of Hockey Pucks: Solving for Final Speed and Angle
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
How Do You Calculate the Momentum of a Puck After a Collision?
Replies
5
Views
3K
Solve Elastic Collision: 2D Homework
Replies
4
Views
1K
Conservation of Work/Momentum of Puck Sliding Off Plate
Replies
4
Views
1K
Calculating final velocity after a puck is hit
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top