Math Problem Statement
object m1 = 1.60 kg starts at an initial height h1i = 0.285 m and speed v1i = 4.00 m/s, swings downward and strikes (in an elastic collision) object m2 = 4.50 kg which is initially at rest. what is the final height of m1
Solution
To solve this problem, we need to use two key principles:
- Conservation of mechanical energy for object as it swings down (from height to the point of collision).
- Conservation of momentum and kinetic energy for the elastic collision between and .
- Once we know the final velocity of after the collision, we can use the conservation of energy again to find the final height.
Step 1: Mechanical Energy Conservation before the collision (for )
The total mechanical energy of at the initial height includes both potential energy and kinetic energy: where:
- (acceleration due to gravity)
Let's calculate the total energy before the collision:
This is the total energy of before the collision.
Step 2: Conservation of Momentum in the Elastic Collision
For an elastic collision between and , the velocities of both objects are governed by the following equations: Since (initial velocity of ), the equations simplify to:
Substitute the known values:
This is the velocity of after the collision (the negative sign indicates it's in the opposite direction).
Step 3: Use Energy Conservation to Find Final Height
After the collision, swings upward, converting its kinetic energy back into potential energy. At the highest point, all kinetic energy will have been converted to potential energy, so:
Canceling from both sides and solving for :
Substitute the known values:
Final Answer:
The final height of object is approximately 0.184 meters.
Would you like any more details or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:
- How would the result change if the collision were inelastic?
- What is the velocity of object after the collision?
- How does the ratio of masses affect the velocities after the collision?
- What is the significance of elastic collisions in physics?
- How would the outcome differ if had started with no initial speed?
Tip: Elastic collisions conserve both momentum and kinetic energy, while inelastic collisions conserve only momentum.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Conservation of Momentum
Elastic Collisions
Kinetic Energy
Formulas
E1i = m1gh1i + 1/2 m1v1i^2
v1f = ((m1 - m2)v1i + 2m2v2i) / (m1 + m2)
v2f = (2m1v1i) / (m1 + m2)
h1f = v1f^2 / (2g)
Theorems
Conservation of Mechanical Energy
Conservation of Momentum in Elastic Collisions
Suitable Grade Level
Undergraduate Physics
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