Complete Inelastic collision & Force

In summary, the problem involves raindrops of mass 0.99 mg falling at a constant speed of 9.0 m/s and colliding with a horizontal skylight at a rate of 1000 drops/s. The window size is 17.0 cm x 25.0 cm and the collisions are completely inelastic. The average force of the raindrops on the window can be calculated using the formula F=dp/dt. The resulting pressure developed by the collisions can be calculated using the formula P=F/A. Since the collisions are completely inelastic, the momentum transferred to the glass is just mv, resulting in an average force of 0.00891 N.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Raindrops of mass 0.99 mg fall vertically at a constant speed of 9.0 m/s, striking a horizontal skylight at the rate of 1000 drops/s and draining off. The window size is 17.0 cm x 25.0 cm. Assume the collisions of the drops with the window are completely inelastic.

(a) Calculate the magnitude of the average force of the raindrops on the window.
(b) Calculate the resulting pressure developed by the raindrop collisions.

Homework Equations


P=F/A
F=dp/dt=Impulse/(delta-time)
Impulse=delta-p=pf-pi


The Attempt at a Solution



so we know that every 1/1000 second, 1 raindrop falls and this is the delta-time
I thought since momentum is conserved the impulse would just be twice mv=2(9.9E-7 kg)(9 m/s)=1.782E-5 Ns
then the Faverage per raindrop= 1.782E-5/(1/1000)=.01782 N...but this is not right

and I know part b is dependent on (a) since then the pressure is simply Faverage/Area= Faverage/(.0425 m^2), where .0425 m^2=area of window=.17 m x .25 m

I'm not sure what to make of the fact that it's completely inelastic and it drains off?
thank you in advance
 
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  • #2
The momentum transferred would be 2mv if the drops hit the glass and bounced back with the same speed they came in with, i.e. if the collision was elastic. But in this case they just hit it and stop, so how much momentum is transferred to the glass?
 
  • #3
just mv? then
Fave=mv/delta-t?=8.91E-6/(1/1000s)=0.00891 N
 
  • #4
ah thank you! what a stupid question.
 

Related to Complete Inelastic collision & Force

What is a complete inelastic collision?

A complete inelastic collision is a type of collision in which two objects collide and stick together after the collision, losing kinetic energy and forming a single object.

What is the difference between a complete inelastic collision and a perfectly inelastic collision?

A complete inelastic collision is a type of collision where the objects stick together after the collision, while a perfectly inelastic collision is a type of collision where the objects stick together and also deform upon impact.

What is the equation for calculating the force in a complete inelastic collision?

The equation for calculating the force in a complete inelastic collision is F = (m1 + m2) * Δv / t, where m1 and m2 are the masses of the colliding objects, Δv is the change in their velocity, and t is the time of the collision.

How does the force in a complete inelastic collision compare to the force in an elastic collision?

In a complete inelastic collision, the force is generally greater than in an elastic collision because the objects stick together and lose kinetic energy, resulting in a larger impulse (change in momentum).

What real-life examples can demonstrate complete inelastic collisions?

Examples of complete inelastic collisions include a car crash in which the vehicles stick together after the collision, a ball hitting a wall and sticking to it, or a train colliding with a stationary object and causing damage to both objects.

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