AP Problem - Elastic Collision at an Angle

[meganw]

Homework Statement

SEE BELOW: 4th Reply has a Diagram

Homework Equations

Conservation of Momentum: m1(v1i) +m2(v2i) = m1(v1f) + m2(v2f)
Vf^2=Vi^2 + 2a(delta y)
Conservation of Kinetic Energy (Elastic Collision): .5m1(v1i^2)+.5m2(v2i) = .5m1(v1f^2)+.5m2(v2f^2)

The Attempt at a Solution

See 4th post for newest question:

 

[Doc Al]

Since the surface is frictionless, only the component of velocity normal to the surface is affected by the collision.

 

[meganw]

What? Sorry I don't understand what you're saying...does that mean the angle doesn't change?

(By the way thank you for being so amazingly helpful! :) )

 

[Doc Al]

Yes, the angle the velocity makes with the surface will not change.

 

[meganw]

This is the problem and diagram:

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1966/55320227sg8.png

I have done a-c, and these are my answers that I got. I know they're correct because I checked them with the solutions:

L= 4[tex]\sqrt{}2[/tex] (h)
Delta Y = Delta x = L/[tex]\sqrt{}2[/tex]

For d I used the kinematic equation
Vf^2=Vi^2 + 2a(delta y)
I got delta y=4h
and vf = [tex]\sqrt{}8gh[/tex]

but the ap board says the answer is (conservation of energy):

mgh + mgL/[tex]\sqrt{}2[/tex]=.5mv^2

v = [tex]\sqrt{}10gh[/tex]

But why is my answer for part d wrong?

note: [tex]\sqrt{}2[/tex]
(this symbol is the square root symbol)

 

[meganw]

gahhhh

 

[Dick]

You didn't add the Vi^2 (=2gh) to the 2a(delta y) (=8gh).