Two objects colliding and dropping at different distances

  • Thread starter thisischris
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In summary, the conversation discusses a ball bearing being rolled down a ramp and colliding with a marble at the bottom. The speed of the ball bearing is calculated using various equations. In question B, the ratio of masses between the ball bearing and the marble is calculated using momentum conservation and correct substitutions. However, the answer is not accurate due to a computation error in the calculation of time in question A.
  • #1
thisischris
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A ball bearing is rolled down a ramp clamped at the edge of a bench. The ball bearing makes a head-on collosion with a marble at the bottom of the ramp.

My problem lies with question B.

A: Initially the ball bearing rolls down without a marble in place. The ball bearing falls a vertical distance of 1.2m and lands a horizontal distance of 0.95m from the end of the ramp. Show speed is 2ms.

Used s = ut + (0.5)t2 to calculate the time in 'air' = 0.49s.
Used s = ut + 0.5at again:
(s - 0.5at2)/t = u
(0.95 - 0) / 0.49 = 1.94 ms-1

B: When the ball bearing is rolled down the ramp with a marble in place, it knocks the marble forwards. The ball bearing lands a horizontal distance of 0.64m from ramp. The marble lands a further 0.93m from ramp. Calculate the ratio of masses of the ball bearing and the marble.

Answer: Momentum conservation, correct substitutions, m1 : m2 = 5.3

My attempt:
m1u + m2u = m1v + m2v
m1u = m1v + m2v As marble has 0 momentum initally.
m1(u - v) =m2v
m1(1.94 - v) =m2v

I then calculated m1's final velocity by using speed = distance / time. Hence v = 0.64 / 0.49 = 1.31ms-1
m2's final velocity by using speed = distance / time. Hence v = 0.64 + 0.93 / 0.49 = 3.20ms-1

m1(1.94 - 1.31) =m2(3.2)
m1(0.63) =m2(3.20)
m1 = m2(5.08)


I can't seem to understand why I'm quite a bit out.

Thank you :)
 
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  • #2
The 1.94 is off by a little. Carry more significant figures in intermediate calculations, then round off at end of computation. Problem is caused by your computation in part A for time.
 

Related to Two objects colliding and dropping at different distances

1. What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

Elastic collisions involve two objects colliding and bouncing off each other without any loss of kinetic energy. Inelastic collisions, on the other hand, involve some loss of kinetic energy due to the objects sticking together or deforming upon impact.

2. How does the mass of the objects affect the outcome of a collision?

The mass of the objects involved in a collision affects the amount of force exerted and the resulting acceleration. In a collision between two objects of unequal mass, the lighter object will experience a greater change in velocity compared to the heavier object.

3. Can two objects collide and drop at different distances in a vacuum?

Yes, in a vacuum, there is no air resistance or other external forces to affect the motion of the objects. Therefore, two objects of different masses can collide and drop at different distances from their initial positions.

4. What is the role of velocity in a collision?

The velocity of the objects before and after a collision determines the amount of kinetic energy involved in the collision. In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy before and after the collision remains constant, while in an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is lost due to the objects sticking together or deforming.

5. How do you calculate the final velocities of two objects after a collision?

The final velocities of the objects can be calculated using the conservation of momentum equation, which states that the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. This equation takes into account the masses and velocities of the objects involved in the collision.

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