How Do You Calculate the Mass of Object 2 After a Collision?

In summary, we are given the mass and velocity of one object before and after a collision, and are asked to find the mass of the other object using the conservation of momentum equation. The equation states that the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, and can be solved for the mass of the second object by rearranging the equation. In other words, the mass of the second object can be determined by dividing the product of the first object's mass and velocity by the second object's velocity.
  • #1
bencdavidson
4
0

Homework Statement



Object 1 has a mass of 2.8 kg and is moving eastward with a velocity of 7.7 m/s. It collides with a stationary object. After the collision object 1 recoils with a velocity of -2.2 m/s What is the mass of object 2?

Homework Equations



As far as I know:

Conservation of Momentum
Po=P
m1v1=m2v2
m=mass

The Attempt at a Solution



I keep trying to solve by using m1v1=m2v2

m2 = m1v1/v2
 
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  • #2
What does conservation of momentum mean in words?
What does the momentum equation you've written (m1 v1 = m2 v2) mean (in words)?
 

Related to How Do You Calculate the Mass of Object 2 After a Collision?

What is conservation of momentum?

Conservation of momentum is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. This means that in a system where no external forces are acting, the total momentum before an event must equal the total momentum after the event.

Why is conservation of momentum important?

Conservation of momentum is important because it helps us understand and predict the motion of objects in a closed system. It is a fundamental principle of nature and is used in many areas of physics, including mechanics, astrophysics, and fluid dynamics.

How is conservation of momentum applied in real life?

Conservation of momentum is applied in real life situations such as collisions between objects, rocket propulsion, and the movement of planets in our solar system. It is also used in sports, such as billiards and ice skating, to predict the trajectory of objects.

What factors affect conservation of momentum?

The conservation of momentum is affected by the mass and velocity of objects in a closed system. In elastic collisions, the momentum is conserved even after the collision, while in inelastic collisions, some momentum is lost due to the deformation of objects upon impact.

Can conservation of momentum be violated?

No, the conservation of momentum is a fundamental law of physics and cannot be violated in a closed system. However, in some cases, it may seem like momentum is not conserved due to external forces that are not accounted for in the system, such as friction or air resistance.

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