Thread: Inelastic collision of right angled bodies

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Hi
Can someone help with this problem.
2 particles of mass 30g and 40g respectively both travel at a speed of 35m/s in directions at right angles. The 2 particles collide and stick together. Calculate their speed after impact.

2. Relevant equations
MaVa + MbVb =(Ma + Mb)v
v= common velocity

3. The attempt at a solution
I am not sure how to start. Solving the total momentum before and total momentum after gives the original speed. I then resolved the respective velocities. But that means I got my final value without consideration of the masses! Finally, I resolved the masses into forces, but still didnt get anywhere. Where I am going wrong? Please advice

Originally Posted by gbenguse78

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Hi
Can someone help with this problem.
2 particles of mass 30g and 40g respectively both travel at a speed of 35m/s in directions at right angles. The 2 particles collide and stick together. Calculate their speed after impact.

2. Relevant equations
MaVa + MbVb =(Ma + Mb)v
v= common velocity

3. The attempt at a solution
I am not sure how to start. Solving the total momentum before and total momentum after gives the original speed. I then resolved the respective velocities. But that means I got my final value without consideration of the masses! Finally, I resolved the masses into forces, but still didnt get anywhere. Where I am going wrong? Please advice

Since we are dealing with a two dimensional collision, we need to use the following formulas:



Without loss of generality, I'm going to assume the following:

* Each mass moves in the positive axis directions -- in the positive x direction, and in the positive y direction.

So, with this information, we have the following:



With this, you should be able to find the x and y components of your velocity.

Finally, your answer will be .

Does this make sense? Can you finish this off?

Yes! Thanks.