Steel Ball Collision: Calculating Velocity and Direction

In summary, the conversation discusses a collision between two steel balls, one rolling at 5.0 m/s and the other at rest. After the collision, the first ball is deflected at 3.0 m/s and the direction is given as N35W. The question is to determine the velocity and direction of the second ball. The total momentum of the two balls before the collision is zero, and the conservation of momentum principle is used to find the velocity of the second ball after the collision. The angle between the velocities of the two balls after the collision is 90 degrees because the masses are equal. The answer in the book is 4.1 m/s in the direction of S37W, but the person asking
  • #1
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1) A 2.0 kg steel ball rolling at 5.0 m/s [W] strikes a second steel ball of equal mass at rest. After a the collison, the first ball is deflected [N35W] at 3.0 m/s. Determine the velocity (and direction) of the second ball. (the answer in the back of the book is 4.1 m/s [s37w], but i got something different) thanks!
 
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  • #2
What is the total momentum of the two balls before the collision, in the [NS] axis? Zero. So what should be the total momentum of the two balls after the collision along the same axis? Zero as well. So you have one equation, for the conservation of momentum in the [NS] axis, with one unknown - the velocity of the second ball after the collision. (In case this is what you are missing, the angle between the velocities of the two balls after the collision is 90 degreesm, because the masses of the balls are equal. If you cannot use this piece of information, or need to prove it first, just write down the equation for the conversation of momentum in the second axis, [WE], and introduce another variable into your equations - the angle of the velocity of the second ball.)
 
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  • #3
i still don't understand how they got that answer! help please? thank you..
 
  • #4
You say you got something different? Let's see what you did! That way we're not all reinventing the wheel.

cookiemonster
 
  • #5
nevermind...i finally got it...i was making the most stupid mistake..
 

Related to Steel Ball Collision: Calculating Velocity and Direction

What is steel ball collision and why is it important in science?

Steel ball collision is an event where two or more steel balls come into contact with each other, transferring energy and momentum. It is important in science because it can help us understand the laws of motion and how objects interact with each other.

How do you calculate the velocity and direction of steel ball collision?

The velocity and direction of steel ball collision can be calculated using the principles of conservation of momentum and energy. This involves measuring the mass, initial velocity, and final velocity of each ball and using equations to determine the final velocity and direction of the collision.

What factors affect the velocity and direction of steel ball collision?

The velocity and direction of steel ball collision can be affected by various factors such as the mass, initial velocity, and angle of impact of the balls, as well as any external forces acting on the system. The type of surface the balls are colliding on can also have an impact on the outcome of the collision.

How is steel ball collision used in real-world applications?

Steel ball collision has various real-world applications, such as in sports like billiards and golf, where the velocity and direction of the balls are crucial in determining the outcome of the game. It is also used in engineering and design to test the impact and durability of materials and structures.

What are some limitations of using steel ball collision to calculate velocity and direction?

One limitation of using steel ball collision is that it assumes perfectly elastic collisions, where there is no loss of energy. In reality, some energy is always lost in the form of heat and sound, which can affect the accuracy of the calculations. Additionally, the shape and surface of the balls may also affect the outcome of the collision.

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