Question

A 2.0 kg puck slides along a frictionless surface with a speed of 5.0 m/s and collides with a stationary 3.0 kg puck. After the collision, the 2.0 kg puck moves at an angle of 35◦ relative to its direction of motion before the collision. The 3.0 kg puck moves at an angle of -20◦ relative to the initial direction of motion of the first puck.

You must clearly answer all parts to this question.

a) Draw a diagram to represent this problem. You should have two pictures that show the setup before and after the collision. Take the initial velocity of the 2.0 kg puck to be along the horizontal (x) axis.

b) Write out the equations for momentum conservation along the horizontal (x) and vertical (y) axis. The final speed of both pucks will be unknowns and should be represented by a variable in your expressions. Use vf2 and vf3 for the final speed of the 2.0 kg and 3.0 kg puck respectively.

You should evaluate all other terms in your expression. In other words, your two equations shouldonly include numbers and the two unknown variables. Clearly circle your two equations.

c) Solve the equations you found in part b) for the final speed of both pucks. d) What type of collision was this? You must clearly justify your answer.

Answer 1