Two Billiard Balls Meeting at Origin - Final Direction & Speeds

In summary, the question asks about the final direction and speeds of two billiard balls after colliding at the origin of an xy coordinate system. Ball A is initially moving upwards along the y-axis at 2.0 m/s, while ball B is moving to the right along the x-axis at 3.7 m/s. Assuming an elastic collision, ball B ends up moving along the positive y-axis. To solve this problem, you would use conservation of momentum, keeping in mind that momentum is a vector. The provided image may also be helpful.
  • #1
Ckoskie
6
0
The question is:
- Two billiard balls of equal mass move at right angles and meet at the origin of an xy coordinate system. Ball A is moving upwards along the y-axis at 2.0 m/s, and ball B is moving to the right along the x-axis with speed 3.7m/s. After the collision, assume elastic, ball B is moving along the positive y axis. What is the final direction of ball A and what are their two speeds?

How would I do this one and what formulas would I use??
 
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  • #2
This might help:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/34/Deflection.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
Use conservation of momentum, remember that momentum is a vector.
 

Related to Two Billiard Balls Meeting at Origin - Final Direction & Speeds

1. What is the final direction of the two billiard balls when they meet at the origin?

The final direction of the two billiard balls when they meet at the origin will depend on various factors such as the initial direction and speed of each ball, the angle of collision, and the elasticity of the balls. Generally, the final direction will be a combination of the initial directions of the two balls.

2. How do you calculate the final speeds of the two billiard balls when they meet at the origin?

The final speeds of the two billiard balls can be calculated using the principles of conservation of momentum and conservation of energy. The mass and initial speeds of each ball, as well as the angle of collision, will be taken into account in the calculations.

3. What factors affect the final direction and speeds of the two billiard balls when they meet at the origin?

The final direction and speeds of the two billiard balls can be affected by various factors such as the mass and initial speeds of each ball, the angle of collision, and the elasticity of the balls. Other factors such as friction and external forces can also play a role in determining the final outcome.

4. Can the final direction and speeds of the two billiard balls be predicted accurately?

While the final direction and speeds of the two billiard balls can be calculated using mathematical equations, the accuracy of the prediction may vary due to unpredictable factors such as irregularities on the surface of the table, air resistance, and other external factors. However, with precise measurements and accurate calculations, a fairly accurate prediction can be made.

5. How does the elasticity of the billiard balls affect the final direction and speeds when they meet at the origin?

The elasticity or bounciness of the billiard balls will affect the final direction and speeds when they meet at the origin. A more elastic ball will bounce off each other with a higher speed and in a more predictable direction, while a less elastic ball may lose more energy upon impact and result in a slower and less predictable outcome.

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