In the previous section, we discussed two-dimensional collision. We also saw a solved example. In this section, we will see a few more solved examples.
Solved example 6.40
Two objects 'A' and 'B' have masses 5 kg and 2.5 kg respectively. 'A' moves with a velocity of 4.5 ms-1 towards 'B' which is initially at rest. After the collision, object 'A' moves in a direction which makes 30o with it's original direction. Object 'B' moves in a direction which makes -30o with the original direction of 'A'. Find the final velocities of 'A' and 'B'. Is the collision elastic or inelastic?
Solution:
1. Fig.6.80 below shows the collision:
2. The table is shown below:
• All the cells in columns 1 to 5 can be filled up (using the given data) except (A,3) and (B,3)
♦ (A,3) contains the unknown |→vAf|
♦ (B,3) contains the unknown |→vBf|
• So there are two unknowns. We need to form two equations only
• Also note that, there are two 'question marks' in the fig.6.80 above
3. Considering momenta in the x-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 6 = Sum in column 8
⇒[22.5+0]=[5|→vAf(x)|+2.5|→vBf(x)|]
⇒[22.5]=[5|→vAf|cosθAf+2.5|→vBf|cosθBf]
⇒[22.5]=[5|→vAf|cos30+|→vBf|cos(−30)]
Dividing both sides by 2.5, we get:
[9]=[2|→vAf|cos30+|→vBf|cos(−30)]
⇒[9]=[1.732|→vAf|+0.866|→vBf|]
4. Considering momenta in the y-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 7 = Sum in column 9
⇒[0]=[5|→vAf(y)|+2.5|→vBf(y)|]
⇒[0]=[5|→vAf|sin30+|→vBf|sin(−30)]
Deviding both sides by 2.5, we get:
⇒[0]=[2|→vAf|sin30+|→vBf|sin(−30)]]
⇒[0]=[2|→vAf|0.5+|→vBf|(−0.5)]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf|−.5|→vBf|]
5. So we have two equations:
(i) From (3) we have: 1.732|→vAf|+0.866|→vBf|=9
(ii) From (4) we have: |→vAf|−0.5|→vBf|=0
• To solve the equations, the following steps can be used:
♦ Multiply (i) by '0.5'
♦ Multiply (ii) by 0.866
♦ Add the results
• We get:
vAf = 2.598 ms-1
vBf = 5.196 ms-1
6. Let us check whether it is an elastic collision or not:
• Applying law of conservation of kinetic energy, we have:
12mA|→vAi|2+12mB|→vBi|2=12mA|→vAf|2+12mB|→vBf|2
• Let us first calculate the LHS:
12mA|→vAi|2+12mB|→vBi|2=12×5×4.52+12×2.5×02=50.625J
• Next we calculate the RHS:
12mA|→vAf|2+12mB|→vBf|2=12×5×2.5982+12×2.5×5.1962=50.628J
■ We get: LHS = RHS
So kinetic energy is conserved and so it is an elastic collision
• We saw solved example 6.39 in the previous section
• We saw solved example 6.40 above in the present section
• Both of those examples involves only two unknowns
• Such problems can be easily solved using two equations that we obtain from the law of conservation of momentum
■ The calculations become even more easier if the two objects stick together after collision
• Let us see such a problem:
Solved example 6.41
Car A has a mass of 1800 kg. It moves towards the North with a velocity of 15 ms-1. Car B has a mass of 1500 kg. It moves in a South-East direction, making an angle of 30o with the East-West direction. It has a velocity of 10 ms-1. After collision, they stick together. Find the velocity (magnitude and direction) of the combined mass after the collision
Solution:
1. Fig.6.81 below shows the collision:
• East-West direction can be taken as the x-axis
2. The table is shown below:
• The first 5 columns can be filled up using the given data
• However, be careful while filling column 4
♦ Velocity of 'A' makes an angle of 90o with the East-West direction (the x-axis)
♦ So we have '90' in the cell (A,4)
♦ Velocity of 'B' makes an angle of 30o with the x-axis
♦ So we have '30' in the cell (B,4)
♦ sin 30 is not negative
♦ But we must put a negative value in the cell (B,7)
♦ This is because, that velocity is towards the negative side of the y-axis
• After collision, both cars move together. So they will be having the same velocity
♦ Thus we have: |→vAf|=|→vBf|
♦ We can put: |→vAf|=|→vBf|=|→vf|
♦ We see this in the cells (A,3) and (B,3)
• After collision, since they move together with the same velocity, they will be making the same angle with the x axis
♦ Thus we have: θAf=θBf
♦ We can put: θAf=θBf=θf
♦ We see this in the cells (A,5) and (B,5)
• After filling the first five columns, we see that there are two unknowns. So we need to form two equations only
• Also note that, there are two 'question marks' in the fig.6.81 above
3. Considering momenta in the x-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 6 = Sum in column 8
⇒[0+12990]=[1800|→vf(x)|+1500|→vf(x)|]
⇒[12990]=[(1800+1500)|→vf(x)|]
⇒[12990]=[3300|→vf(x)|]
⇒|→vf(x)|=129903300=3.936ms−1
4. Considering momenta in the y-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 7 = Sum in column 9
⇒[27000−7500]=[1800|→vf(y)|+1500|→vf(y)|]
⇒[19500]=[(1800+1500)|→vf(y)|]
⇒[19500]=[3300|→vf(y)|]
⇒|→vf(y)|=195003300=5.91ms−1
5. Now we can find the magnitude of the resultant
|→vf|=√|→vfx|2+|→vfy|2=√3.9362+5.912=7.1ms−1
6. Direction of this resultant is given by: tanθf=|→vfy||→vfx|=5.913.936=1.501
⇒θf=tan−11.501=56.33o
7. Thus we can write:
■ The final velocity shown in fig.6.81 has a magnitude of 7.1 ms-1 and a direction which makes 56.33o with the x-axis
Solved example 6.43
Two identical objects A and B collide on a smooth horizontal surface. B was originally at rest. A has an initial velocity of 6 ms-1. After collision it scatters at an angle of 30o to the original direction.
(a) What is the magnitude of the velocity of 'A' after the collision ?
(b) What is the magnitude and direction of the velocity of 'B' after the collision ?
Solution:
1. Fig.6.84 below shows the collision:
• In the fig.6.84, θBf is shown below the initial direction. But the initial direction is considered as the x-axis
• So θBf is below the x-axis. That means, θBf is negative
• But we need not write '(-θBf)' and do the calculations. We can do the calculations using '(+θBf)'
• If in the final results, we get a negative value for 'θBf', the positions in fig.6.83 will be justified
2. The table is shown below:
• All the cells in columns 1 to 5 can be filled up (using the given data) except (A,3), (B,3) and (B,5)
♦ (A,3) contains the unknown |→vAf|
♦ (B,3) contains the unknown |→vBf|
♦ (B,5) contains the unknown θBf
• So there are three unknowns. We need to form three equations
• Also note that, there are 3 'question marks' in the fig.6.84 above
• Most of the cells in columns 6 to 9 need to be calculated except (B,6), (A,7) and (B,7)
• Those 3 cells have zero values because:
♦ B has zero initial x-velocity
♦ A has zero initial y-velocity
♦ B has zero initial y-velocity
3. Considering momenta in the x-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 6 = Sum in column 8
⇒[6m+0]=[m|→vAf(x)|+m|→vBf(x)|]
⇒[6]=[|→vAf|cosθAf+|→vBf|cosθBf]
⇒[6]=[|→vAf|cos30+|→vBf|cosθBf]
⇒[6]=[0.866|→vAf|+|→vBf|cosθBf]
4. Considering momenta in the y-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 7 = Sum in column 9
⇒[0]=[m|→vAf(y)|+m|→vBf(y)|]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf|sinθAf+|→vBf|sinθBf]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf|sin30+|→vBf|sinθBf]
⇒[0]=[0.5|→vAf|+|→vBf|sinθBf]
5. So we have two equations:
(i) From (3) we have: 0.866|→vAf|+|→vBf|cosθBf=6
(ii) From (4) we have: 0.5|→vAf|+|→vBf|sinθBf=0
6. But we have three unknowns. So we must have three equations
• For the third equation, we apply conservation of kinetic energy
Total initial kinetic energy = Total final kinetic energy
• Since the masses are equal, we have: |→vAi|2+|→vBi|2=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
⇒|→vAi|2+0=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
⇒62=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
⇒|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2=36
7. Let us write the three equations together:
(i) From (3) we have: 0.866|→vAf|+|→vBf|cosθBf=6
(ii) From (4) we have: 0.5|→vAf|+|→vBf|sinθBf=0
(iii) From (6) we have: |→vAf|2+|→vBf|2=36
Solved example 6.40
Two objects 'A' and 'B' have masses 5 kg and 2.5 kg respectively. 'A' moves with a velocity of 4.5 ms-1 towards 'B' which is initially at rest. After the collision, object 'A' moves in a direction which makes 30o with it's original direction. Object 'B' moves in a direction which makes -30o with the original direction of 'A'. Find the final velocities of 'A' and 'B'. Is the collision elastic or inelastic?
Solution:
1. Fig.6.80 below shows the collision:
![]() |
Fig.6.80 |
• All the cells in columns 1 to 5 can be filled up (using the given data) except (A,3) and (B,3)
♦ (A,3) contains the unknown |→vAf|
♦ (B,3) contains the unknown |→vBf|
• So there are two unknowns. We need to form two equations only
• Also note that, there are two 'question marks' in the fig.6.80 above
3. Considering momenta in the x-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 6 = Sum in column 8
⇒[22.5+0]=[5|→vAf(x)|+2.5|→vBf(x)|]
⇒[22.5]=[5|→vAf|cosθAf+2.5|→vBf|cosθBf]
⇒[22.5]=[5|→vAf|cos30+|→vBf|cos(−30)]
Dividing both sides by 2.5, we get:
[9]=[2|→vAf|cos30+|→vBf|cos(−30)]
⇒[9]=[1.732|→vAf|+0.866|→vBf|]
4. Considering momenta in the y-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 7 = Sum in column 9
⇒[0]=[5|→vAf(y)|+2.5|→vBf(y)|]
⇒[0]=[5|→vAf|sin30+|→vBf|sin(−30)]
Deviding both sides by 2.5, we get:
⇒[0]=[2|→vAf|sin30+|→vBf|sin(−30)]]
⇒[0]=[2|→vAf|0.5+|→vBf|(−0.5)]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf|−.5|→vBf|]
5. So we have two equations:
(i) From (3) we have: 1.732|→vAf|+0.866|→vBf|=9
(ii) From (4) we have: |→vAf|−0.5|→vBf|=0
• To solve the equations, the following steps can be used:
♦ Multiply (i) by '0.5'
♦ Multiply (ii) by 0.866
♦ Add the results
• We get:
vAf = 2.598 ms-1
vBf = 5.196 ms-1
6. Let us check whether it is an elastic collision or not:
• Applying law of conservation of kinetic energy, we have:
12mA|→vAi|2+12mB|→vBi|2=12mA|→vAf|2+12mB|→vBf|2
• Let us first calculate the LHS:
12mA|→vAi|2+12mB|→vBi|2=12×5×4.52+12×2.5×02=50.625J
• Next we calculate the RHS:
12mA|→vAf|2+12mB|→vBf|2=12×5×2.5982+12×2.5×5.1962=50.628J
■ We get: LHS = RHS
So kinetic energy is conserved and so it is an elastic collision
• We saw solved example 6.39 in the previous section
• We saw solved example 6.40 above in the present section
• Both of those examples involves only two unknowns
• Such problems can be easily solved using two equations that we obtain from the law of conservation of momentum
■ The calculations become even more easier if the two objects stick together after collision
• Let us see such a problem:
Solved example 6.41
Car A has a mass of 1800 kg. It moves towards the North with a velocity of 15 ms-1. Car B has a mass of 1500 kg. It moves in a South-East direction, making an angle of 30o with the East-West direction. It has a velocity of 10 ms-1. After collision, they stick together. Find the velocity (magnitude and direction) of the combined mass after the collision
Solution:
1. Fig.6.81 below shows the collision:
![]() |
Fig.6.81 |
2. The table is shown below:
• The first 5 columns can be filled up using the given data
• However, be careful while filling column 4
♦ Velocity of 'A' makes an angle of 90o with the East-West direction (the x-axis)
♦ So we have '90' in the cell (A,4)
♦ Velocity of 'B' makes an angle of 30o with the x-axis
♦ So we have '30' in the cell (B,4)
♦ sin 30 is not negative
♦ But we must put a negative value in the cell (B,7)
♦ This is because, that velocity is towards the negative side of the y-axis
• After collision, both cars move together. So they will be having the same velocity
♦ Thus we have: |→vAf|=|→vBf|
♦ We can put: |→vAf|=|→vBf|=|→vf|
♦ We see this in the cells (A,3) and (B,3)
• After collision, since they move together with the same velocity, they will be making the same angle with the x axis
♦ Thus we have: θAf=θBf
♦ We can put: θAf=θBf=θf
♦ We see this in the cells (A,5) and (B,5)
• After filling the first five columns, we see that there are two unknowns. So we need to form two equations only
• Also note that, there are two 'question marks' in the fig.6.81 above
3. Considering momenta in the x-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 6 = Sum in column 8
⇒[0+12990]=[1800|→vf(x)|+1500|→vf(x)|]
⇒[12990]=[(1800+1500)|→vf(x)|]
⇒[12990]=[3300|→vf(x)|]
⇒|→vf(x)|=129903300=3.936ms−1
4. Considering momenta in the y-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 7 = Sum in column 9
⇒[27000−7500]=[1800|→vf(y)|+1500|→vf(y)|]
⇒[19500]=[(1800+1500)|→vf(y)|]
⇒[19500]=[3300|→vf(y)|]
⇒|→vf(y)|=195003300=5.91ms−1
5. Now we can find the magnitude of the resultant
|→vf|=√|→vfx|2+|→vfy|2=√3.9362+5.912=7.1ms−1
6. Direction of this resultant is given by: tanθf=|→vfy||→vfx|=5.913.936=1.501
⇒θf=tan−11.501=56.33o
7. Thus we can write:
■ The final velocity shown in fig.6.81 has a magnitude of 7.1 ms-1 and a direction which makes 56.33o with the x-axis
• Next we will see problems with 3 unknowns. Such problems involve somewhat lengthy calculations
■ But those calculations will be greatly simplified if the two colliding objects have the same mass
• The Solved examples 6.42 and 6.43 given below will demonstrate this idea
Solved example 6.42
Prove that an elastic collision between equal masses in 2 dimensions always results in the objects bouncing off each other at a 90o degrees angle (assume one of the objects to be initially stationary).
Solution:
1. Fig.6.82 below shows a 2-dimensional collision between two spheres 'A' and 'B'
• Both the spheres have the same mass. So we can write: mA = mB = m
• We have to prove that (θAf+θBf)=90o
2. The table is shown below:
3. Considering momenta in the x-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 6 = Sum in column 8
⇒∑|→pi(x)|=∑|→pf(x)|
⇒[m|→vAi(x)|+0]=[m|→vAf(x)|+m|→vBf(x)|]
⇒[|→vAi(x)|]=[|→vAf(x)|+|→vBf(x)|]
⇒[|→vAi|cosθAi]=[|→vAf|cosθAf+|→vBf|cosθBf]
4. Considering momenta in the y-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 7 = Sum in column 9
⇒∑|→pi(y)|=∑|→pf(y)|
⇒[0+0]=[m|→vAf(y)|+m|→vBf(y)|]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf(y)|+|→vBf(y)|]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf|sinθAf+|→vBf|sinθBf]
5. So we have two equations:
(i) From (3) we have: |→vAf|cosθAf+|→vBf|cosθBf=|→vAi|cosθAi
(ii) From (4) we have: |→vAf|sinθAf+|→vBf|sinθBf=0
6. But we have three unknowns. So we must have three equations
• For the third equation, we apply conservation of kinetic energy
• Total initial kinetic energy = Total final kinetic energy
• Since the masses are equal, we have: |→vAi|2+|→vBi|2=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
⇒|→vAi|2=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
[∵ vBi = 0]
7. Let us write the three equations together:
(i) From (3) we have: |→vAf|cosθAf+|→vBf|cosθBf=|→vAi|cosθAi
(ii) From (4) we have: |→vAf|sinθAf+|→vBf|sinθBf=0
■ But those calculations will be greatly simplified if the two colliding objects have the same mass
• The Solved examples 6.42 and 6.43 given below will demonstrate this idea
Solved example 6.42
Prove that an elastic collision between equal masses in 2 dimensions always results in the objects bouncing off each other at a 90o degrees angle (assume one of the objects to be initially stationary).
Solution:
1. Fig.6.82 below shows a 2-dimensional collision between two spheres 'A' and 'B'
![]() |
Fig.6.82 |
• We have to prove that (θAf+θBf)=90o
2. The table is shown below:
3. Considering momenta in the x-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 6 = Sum in column 8
⇒∑|→pi(x)|=∑|→pf(x)|
⇒[m|→vAi(x)|+0]=[m|→vAf(x)|+m|→vBf(x)|]
⇒[|→vAi(x)|]=[|→vAf(x)|+|→vBf(x)|]
⇒[|→vAi|cosθAi]=[|→vAf|cosθAf+|→vBf|cosθBf]
4. Considering momenta in the y-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 7 = Sum in column 9
⇒∑|→pi(y)|=∑|→pf(y)|
⇒[0+0]=[m|→vAf(y)|+m|→vBf(y)|]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf(y)|+|→vBf(y)|]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf|sinθAf+|→vBf|sinθBf]
5. So we have two equations:
(i) From (3) we have: |→vAf|cosθAf+|→vBf|cosθBf=|→vAi|cosθAi
(ii) From (4) we have: |→vAf|sinθAf+|→vBf|sinθBf=0
6. But we have three unknowns. So we must have three equations
• For the third equation, we apply conservation of kinetic energy
• Total initial kinetic energy = Total final kinetic energy
• Since the masses are equal, we have: |→vAi|2+|→vBi|2=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
⇒|→vAi|2=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
[∵ vBi = 0]
7. Let us write the three equations together:
(i) From (3) we have: |→vAf|cosθAf+|→vBf|cosθBf=|→vAi|cosθAi
(ii) From (4) we have: |→vAf|sinθAf+|→vBf|sinθBf=0
(iii) From (6) we have: |→vAf|2+|→vBf|2=|→vAi|2
8. Let us write them in a 'easy to manipulate' form:
(i) AcosθA+BcosθB=k1
(ii) AsinθA+BsinθB=0
(iii) A2+B2=(k1)2
Where:
• A=|→vAf|. A quantity that we have to find
• B=|→vBf|. A quantity that we have to find
• θB=θBf. A quantity that we have to find
• θA=θAf. A constant, which can be calculated from the given data
(i) AcosθA+BcosθB=k1
(ii) AsinθA+BsinθB=0
(iii) A2+B2=(k1)2
Where:
• A=|→vAf|. A quantity that we have to find
• B=|→vBf|. A quantity that we have to find
• θB=θBf. A quantity that we have to find
• θA=θAf. A constant, which can be calculated from the given data
• k1=|→vAi|cosθAi
♦ But θAi=0. So cosθAi =1
♦ Thus we get: k1=|→vAi|cosθAi=|→vAi|
♦ So k1 is a constant, which can be calculated from the given data
♦ But θAi=0. So cosθAi =1
♦ Thus we get: k1=|→vAi|cosθAi=|→vAi|
♦ So k1 is a constant, which can be calculated from the given data
■ Now we can write the steps for obtaining the 3 unknowns:
(iv) Squaring (i), we get:
A2cos2θA+B2cos2θB+2ABcosθAcosθB=(k1)2
(v) Squaring (ii), we get:
A2sin2θA+B2sin2θB+2ABsinθAsinθB=0
(vi) Adding (iv) and (v), we get:
(A2cos2θA+A2sin2θA)+(A2sin2θB+B2sin2θB)+(2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB)=(k1)2+0
⇒A2(cos2θA+sin2θA)+B2(sin2θB+sin2θB)+(2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB)=(k1)2+0
⇒A2+B2+(2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB)=(k1)2
(vii) But from (iii), we have: A2+B2=(k1)2
• Substituting this in (v), we get:
(k1)2+(2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB)=(k1)2
⇒2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB=0
⇒2AB(cosθAcosθB+sinθAsinθB)=0
(viii) Using the identity cos(θ1−θ2)=cosθ1cosθ2+sinθ1sinθ2, we get:
2ABcos(θA−θB)=0
(ix) Putting back the values, we get:
• 2|→vAf||→vBf|cos(θAf−θBf)=0
• |→vAf| can be zero only if all the three conditions given below are satisfied:
♦ It is a one-dimensional collision (Details here)
♦ The two masses are equal
♦ Object B is stationary before collision
• In our present case, the second and third conditions are satisfied
• But it is not a one-dimensional collision. What we have is a two-dimensional collision
• So |→vAf| cannot be zero
• |→vBf| can be zero only if the mass of B is very large compared to mass of A. But in our present case, both masses are equal
• So |→vBf| cannot be zero
• Thus the only option is: cos(θAf−θBf)=0
• If cos(θAf−θBf)=0, then (θAf−θBf)=90o
■ This relation (θAf−θBf)=90o is our key
9. In fig.6.83(a) below, we see that, (θAf−θBf) is the 'angle between the two final vectors'
• If (θAf−θBf) is to be 90, the 'after collision' fig. will be as in (b)
• Here also, (θAf−θBf) is the 'angle between the two final vectors'
• So (θAf−θBf) becomes: [θAf−(−θBf)]=[thetaAf+θBf]
• Here also, (θAf−θBf) is the 'angle between the two final vectors'
■ Thus we can write: After a 2-dimensional collision, the two objects will scatter at 90o to each other when the following two conditions are satisfied:
♦ The two objects have the same mass
♦ One of the objects is stationary before collision
(iv) Squaring (i), we get:
A2cos2θA+B2cos2θB+2ABcosθAcosθB=(k1)2
(v) Squaring (ii), we get:
A2sin2θA+B2sin2θB+2ABsinθAsinθB=0
(vi) Adding (iv) and (v), we get:
(A2cos2θA+A2sin2θA)+(A2sin2θB+B2sin2θB)+(2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB)=(k1)2+0
⇒A2(cos2θA+sin2θA)+B2(sin2θB+sin2θB)+(2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB)=(k1)2+0
⇒A2+B2+(2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB)=(k1)2
(vii) But from (iii), we have: A2+B2=(k1)2
• Substituting this in (v), we get:
(k1)2+(2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB)=(k1)2
⇒2ABcosθAcosθB+2ABsinθAsinθB=0
⇒2AB(cosθAcosθB+sinθAsinθB)=0
(viii) Using the identity cos(θ1−θ2)=cosθ1cosθ2+sinθ1sinθ2, we get:
2ABcos(θA−θB)=0
(ix) Putting back the values, we get:
• 2|→vAf||→vBf|cos(θAf−θBf)=0
• |→vAf| can be zero only if all the three conditions given below are satisfied:
♦ It is a one-dimensional collision (Details here)
♦ The two masses are equal
♦ Object B is stationary before collision
• In our present case, the second and third conditions are satisfied
• But it is not a one-dimensional collision. What we have is a two-dimensional collision
• So |→vAf| cannot be zero
• |→vBf| can be zero only if the mass of B is very large compared to mass of A. But in our present case, both masses are equal
• So |→vBf| cannot be zero
• Thus the only option is: cos(θAf−θBf)=0
• If cos(θAf−θBf)=0, then (θAf−θBf)=90o
■ This relation (θAf−θBf)=90o is our key
9. In fig.6.83(a) below, we see that, (θAf−θBf) is the 'angle between the two final vectors'
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Fig.6.83 |
• Here also, (θAf−θBf) is the 'angle between the two final vectors'
10. Another possibility is shown in fig.c
• After collision, the object 'B' is below the x-axis. It's final velocity vector makes an angle of −θBf with the x-axis • So (θAf−θBf) becomes: [θAf−(−θBf)]=[thetaAf+θBf]
• Here also, (θAf−θBf) is the 'angle between the two final vectors'
■ Thus we can write: After a 2-dimensional collision, the two objects will scatter at 90o to each other when the following two conditions are satisfied:
♦ The two objects have the same mass
♦ One of the objects is stationary before collision
Solved example 6.43
Two identical objects A and B collide on a smooth horizontal surface. B was originally at rest. A has an initial velocity of 6 ms-1. After collision it scatters at an angle of 30o to the original direction.
(a) What is the magnitude of the velocity of 'A' after the collision ?
(b) What is the magnitude and direction of the velocity of 'B' after the collision ?
Solution:
1. Fig.6.84 below shows the collision:
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Fig.6.84 |
• So θBf is below the x-axis. That means, θBf is negative
• But we need not write '(-θBf)' and do the calculations. We can do the calculations using '(+θBf)'
• If in the final results, we get a negative value for 'θBf', the positions in fig.6.83 will be justified
2. The table is shown below:
• All the cells in columns 1 to 5 can be filled up (using the given data) except (A,3), (B,3) and (B,5)
♦ (A,3) contains the unknown |→vAf|
♦ (B,3) contains the unknown |→vBf|
♦ (B,5) contains the unknown θBf
• So there are three unknowns. We need to form three equations
• Also note that, there are 3 'question marks' in the fig.6.84 above
• Most of the cells in columns 6 to 9 need to be calculated except (B,6), (A,7) and (B,7)
• Those 3 cells have zero values because:
♦ B has zero initial x-velocity
♦ A has zero initial y-velocity
♦ B has zero initial y-velocity
3. Considering momenta in the x-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 6 = Sum in column 8
⇒[6m+0]=[m|→vAf(x)|+m|→vBf(x)|]
⇒[6]=[|→vAf|cosθAf+|→vBf|cosθBf]
⇒[6]=[|→vAf|cos30+|→vBf|cosθBf]
⇒[6]=[0.866|→vAf|+|→vBf|cosθBf]
4. Considering momenta in the y-direction, we have:
• Sum in column 7 = Sum in column 9
⇒[0]=[m|→vAf(y)|+m|→vBf(y)|]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf|sinθAf+|→vBf|sinθBf]
⇒[0]=[|→vAf|sin30+|→vBf|sinθBf]
⇒[0]=[0.5|→vAf|+|→vBf|sinθBf]
5. So we have two equations:
(i) From (3) we have: 0.866|→vAf|+|→vBf|cosθBf=6
(ii) From (4) we have: 0.5|→vAf|+|→vBf|sinθBf=0
6. But we have three unknowns. So we must have three equations
• For the third equation, we apply conservation of kinetic energy
Total initial kinetic energy = Total final kinetic energy
• Since the masses are equal, we have: |→vAi|2+|→vBi|2=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
⇒|→vAi|2+0=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
⇒62=|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2
⇒|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2=36
7. Let us write the three equations together:
(i) From (3) we have: 0.866|→vAf|+|→vBf|cosθBf=6
(ii) From (4) we have: 0.5|→vAf|+|→vBf|sinθBf=0
(iii) From (6) we have: |→vAf|2+|→vBf|2=36
8. Now we apply the relation θAf−θBf=90o
We get: 30−θBf=90
⇒θBf=30−90=−60o
• Note: We can apply this relation because, the following two conditions are satisfied:
♦ The two objects have the same mass
♦ One of the objects is stationary before collision
9. Substituting this value of θBf in (i), we get:
0.866|→vAf|+|→vBf|cos(−60)=6
⇒0.866|→vAf|+0.5|→vBf|=6
10. Substituting this value of θBf in (ii), we get:
0.5|→vAf|+|→vBf|sin(−60)=0
⇒0.5|→vAf|−0.866|→vBf|=0
11. Solving (9) and (10), we get:
|→vAf| = 5.196 ms-1
|→vBf| = 3
• Note: For solving, the following steps can be used:
♦ Multiply (9) by 0.866
♦ Multiply (10) by 0.5
♦ Add the results
12. Check:
• Let us substitute the velocities in (iii). We have:
|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2=36
• The LHS will be: 5.1962+32=(27+9)=36
• RHS = 36
• So the results obtained in (11) are correct
We get: 30−θBf=90
⇒θBf=30−90=−60o
• Note: We can apply this relation because, the following two conditions are satisfied:
♦ The two objects have the same mass
♦ One of the objects is stationary before collision
9. Substituting this value of θBf in (i), we get:
0.866|→vAf|+|→vBf|cos(−60)=6
⇒0.866|→vAf|+0.5|→vBf|=6
10. Substituting this value of θBf in (ii), we get:
0.5|→vAf|+|→vBf|sin(−60)=0
⇒0.5|→vAf|−0.866|→vBf|=0
11. Solving (9) and (10), we get:
|→vAf| = 5.196 ms-1
|→vBf| = 3
• Note: For solving, the following steps can be used:
♦ Multiply (9) by 0.866
♦ Multiply (10) by 0.5
♦ Add the results
12. Check:
• Let us substitute the velocities in (iii). We have:
|→vAf|2+|→vBf|2=36
• The LHS will be: 5.1962+32=(27+9)=36
• RHS = 36
• So the results obtained in (11) are correct
We have completed this discussion on work, energy and power. In the next chapter, we will discuss about rotational motion
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