Calculating Coefficient of Restitution for Two Solid Balls Colliding

In summary, the impact force between two solid balls is influenced by factors such as mass, velocity, and elasticity. The angle of impact can greatly affect the outcome of the collision, with a head-on collision resulting in the greatest impact force. The coefficient of restitution is a measure of the elasticity of the collision, and the surface material of the balls can impact the collision's outcome. While a perfectly elastic collision is possible in theory, it is not achievable in real-world scenarios due to various factors.
  • #1
nysnacc
184
3

Homework Statement


upload_2016-10-12_21-10-1.png


Homework Equations


MaVa1 + MaVb1 = MaVa2 +MaVb2

The Attempt at a Solution


I found Va2 = 2 m/s

e is found to be 1.75, correct?
 
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  • #2
Please show your reasoning.
 
  • #3
nysnacc said:
e is found to be 1.75, correct?
e is always from 0 to 1.
 
  • #4
I found it 0.81 something! thanks
 
  • #5
nysnacc said:
I found it 0.81 something! thanks
I make it a bit more. Please post your working.
 
  • #6
e = 0.827 actually
 
  • #7
Well done,
For the benifit of others stuck in the same way, please tell us how you got that.
 

Related to Calculating Coefficient of Restitution for Two Solid Balls Colliding

1. What is the impact force between two solid balls?

The impact force between two solid balls is influenced by factors such as the mass, velocity, and elasticity of the balls. It can be calculated using the formula F=ma, where F is the impact force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration. The elasticity of the balls also plays a role in determining the impact force, as more elastic balls will experience a larger impact force.

2. How does the angle of impact affect the collision between two solid balls?

The angle of impact between two solid balls can greatly affect the outcome of the collision. If the balls collide head-on, the force of impact will be the greatest and the balls will bounce off each other with the same speed. However, if the angle of impact is less than 90 degrees, the balls will not bounce off each other with the same speed, and some of the kinetic energy will be transferred into rotational energy.

3. What is the coefficient of restitution for two solid balls?

The coefficient of restitution is a measure of the elasticity of two objects colliding. For two solid balls, it is calculated by dividing the final velocity of the balls after the collision by the initial velocity. A value of 1 indicates a perfectly elastic collision, while a value of 0 indicates a completely inelastic collision.

4. How does the surface material of the balls affect the impact?

The surface material of the balls can greatly impact the collision. If the balls have a smooth surface, they will experience a more elastic collision, resulting in a higher rebound velocity. However, if the balls have a rough surface, some of the kinetic energy will be lost as heat and sound, resulting in a lower rebound velocity.

5. Can the impact between two solid balls be completely elastic?

In theory, the impact between two solid balls can be completely elastic. This would require the balls to be perfectly spherical, have a perfectly smooth surface, and collide at a 90 degree angle. However, in reality, there will always be some energy lost due to factors such as imperfections in the balls and air resistance. Therefore, a perfectly elastic collision between two solid balls is not possible in real-world scenarios.

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