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:

  1. Conservation of mechanical energy for object m1m_1 as it swings down (from height h1ih_{1i} to the point of collision).
  2. Conservation of momentum and kinetic energy for the elastic collision between m1m_1 and m2m_2.
  3. Once we know the final velocity of m1m_1 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 m1m_1)

The total mechanical energy of m1m_1 at the initial height h1ih_{1i} includes both potential energy and kinetic energy: E1i=m1gh1i+12m1v1i2E_{1i} = m_1 g h_{1i} + \frac{1}{2} m_1 v_{1i}^2 where:

  • m1=1.60kgm_1 = 1.60 \, \text{kg}
  • h1i=0.285mh_{1i} = 0.285 \, \text{m}
  • v1i=4.00m/sv_{1i} = 4.00 \, \text{m/s}
  • g=9.81m/s2g = 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 (acceleration due to gravity)

Let's calculate the total energy before the collision: E1i=(1.60)(9.81)(0.285)+12(1.60)(4.00)2E_{1i} = (1.60)(9.81)(0.285) + \frac{1}{2} (1.60)(4.00)^2 E1i=4.47J+12.8J=17.27JE_{1i} = 4.47 \, \text{J} + 12.8 \, \text{J} = 17.27 \, \text{J}

This is the total energy of m1m_1 before the collision.

Step 2: Conservation of Momentum in the Elastic Collision

For an elastic collision between m1m_1 and m2m_2, the velocities of both objects are governed by the following equations: v1f=(m1m2)v1i+2m2v2im1+m2v_{1f} = \frac{(m_1 - m_2)v_{1i} + 2m_2v_{2i}}{m_1 + m_2} v2f=(m2m1)v2i+2m1v1im1+m2v_{2f} = \frac{(m_2 - m_1)v_{2i} + 2m_1v_{1i}}{m_1 + m_2} Since v2i=0v_{2i} = 0 (initial velocity of m2m_2), the equations simplify to: v1f=(m1m2)v1im1+m2v_{1f} = \frac{(m_1 - m_2)v_{1i}}{m_1 + m_2} v2f=2m1v1im1+m2v_{2f} = \frac{2m_1v_{1i}}{m_1 + m_2}

Substitute the known values: v1f=(1.604.50)(4.00)1.60+4.50v_{1f} = \frac{(1.60 - 4.50)(4.00)}{1.60 + 4.50} v1f=2.90(4.00)6.10v_{1f} = \frac{-2.90(4.00)}{6.10} v1f=1.90m/sv_{1f} = -1.90 \, \text{m/s}

This is the velocity of m1m_1 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, m1m_1 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: 12m1v1f2=m1gh1f\frac{1}{2} m_1 v_{1f}^2 = m_1 g h_{1f}

Canceling m1m_1 from both sides and solving for h1fh_{1f}: 12v1f2=gh1f\frac{1}{2} v_{1f}^2 = g h_{1f} h1f=v1f22gh_{1f} = \frac{v_{1f}^2}{2g}

Substitute the known values: h1f=(1.90)22(9.81)h_{1f} = \frac{(-1.90)^2}{2(9.81)} h1f=3.6119.62h_{1f} = \frac{3.61}{19.62} h1f0.184mh_{1f} \approx 0.184 \, \text{m}

Final Answer:

The final height of object m1m_1 is approximately 0.184 meters.

Would you like any more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How would the result change if the collision were inelastic?
  2. What is the velocity of object m2m_2 after the collision?
  3. How does the ratio of masses affect the velocities after the collision?
  4. What is the significance of elastic collisions in physics?
  5. How would the outcome differ if m1m_1 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