Question

A 3.35 kg object initially moving in the positive x direction with a velocity of 4.90 m s collides with and sticks to a 1.88 kg object initially moving in the negative y direction with a velocity of 3.12 m/s. Find the final components of velocity of the composite object.

Answer 1

Answer:

The final components of velocity of the composite object is 3.33 m/s.

Explanation:

Given;

mass of the first object, m₁ = 3.35 kg

initial velocity of the first object, u₁ = 4.90 m/s in positive x-direction

mass of the second object, m₂ = 1.88 kg

initial velocity of the second object, u₂ = 3.12 m/s in negative y-direction

initial momentum of the first object, P₁ = 3.35 x 4.9 = 16.415 kgm/s

initial momentum of the second object, P₂ = 1.88 x 3.12 = 5.8656 kgm/s

The resultant velocity of the two objects is given by;

R² = 16.415² + 5.8656²

R² = 303.858

R = √303.858

R = 17.432 kgm/s

Apply the principle of conservation of linear momentum for inelastic collision;

total initial momentum before = total final momentum after collision

P₁(x) + P₂(y) = Pf

R = Pf

R = v(m₁ + m₂)

17.432 = v(m₁ + m₂)

where;

v is the final components of velocity of the composite object

$v = \frac{17.432}{m_1 + m_2} \\\\v = \frac{17.432}{3.35+1.88} \\\\v = 3.33 \ m/s$

Therefore, the final components of velocity of the composite object is 3.33 m/s.