Elastic collision with a spring constant and unknown masses

In summary, a ball of mass m rolls down a 3.0 m ramp inclined at 30° above the horizontal, collides elastically with another ball of mass 2m, and then collides with a horizontally mounted spring with spring constant k= 200 N/m, compressing it by 0.15 m. Using conservation of kinetic energy and momentum, the value of m can be calculated to be √(45/2) times the square root of the acceleration due to gravity (g).
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A ball of mass m rolls down a 3.0 m ramp inclined at 30° above the horizontal, rolls along a flat, friction less surface, and collides elastically with another ball of mass 2m, initially at rest. The second mass then moves along the surface and collides with a horizontally mounted spring with spring constant k= 200 N/m, compressing it by 0.15 m. What is the value of m?

Homework Equations


Ek 1 + Eg 1 + Ee 1 = Ek 2 + Eg 1 + Ee 2

For the incline:
FN + Fg parallel + Fg perpendicular + Ff = m1a

The Attempt at a Solution


I've been working backwards so I started with this:

1/2 m2v2' 2 = 1/2 kx2

I ended up with v2' = √45/2m and I now have no idea how to continue

Any help will be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
The top of the 3 m long, 30 degree ramp is 3 sin(30)= 1.5 m above its base. Taking the kinetic energy of the first ball to be 0 at the top of the ramp, its potential energy is 1.5mg, relative to the bottom. At the bottom of the ramp, it potential energy is 0 so its kinetic energy is 1.5mg and its velocity is given by [itex]v= \sqrt{1.5g}[/itex] so its momentum is [itex]m\sqrt{1.5g}[/itex]. On the level, both "conservation or kinetic energy" and "conversation of momentum" hold.
 
  • #3
Oops. I forgot about conservation of momentum. Thanks!
 

Related to Elastic collision with a spring constant and unknown masses

1. What is an elastic collision?

An elastic collision is a type of collision in which the total kinetic energy of the colliding objects is conserved. This means that the objects bounce off each other without any loss of energy.

2. How is a spring constant related to elastic collisions?

The spring constant is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. In an elastic collision with a spring, the spring constant determines how much force the spring exerts on the colliding objects, and thus affects the outcome of the collision.

3. What happens to the masses in an elastic collision with a spring constant?

The masses of the colliding objects do not change in an elastic collision with a spring constant. The objects may deform temporarily due to the force of the collision, but they return to their original shape and mass after the collision is over.

4. Can you calculate the masses in an elastic collision with a spring constant?

Yes, the masses of the colliding objects can be calculated if the spring constant and other relevant information, such as the initial and final velocities of the objects, are known. This can be done using the laws of conservation of momentum and energy.

5. What is the practical application of studying elastic collisions with a spring constant and unknown masses?

The study of elastic collisions with a spring constant and unknown masses has various practical applications, such as in the design of safety mechanisms, car airbags, and sports equipment. It also helps in understanding the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.

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