Conservation of Momentum and Energy in Collision

What was the total energy of the system before the collision?

a- Not enough information to determine

b- 6.13 J

c- 0 J

d- 12.25 J

What was the total energy of the system after the collision?

a- 6.13 J

b- 12.25 J

c- Not enough information to determine

d- 0 J

What was the total momentum before the collision?

a- 6.13 kg∙m/s

b- 12.25 kg∙m/s

c- Not enough information to determine

d- 0 kg∙m/s

What was the total momentum after the collision?

a- Not enough information to determine

b- 0 kg•m/s

c- 6.13 kg•m/s

d- 12.25 kg•m/s

1) E1=0.5m1v1^2+0.5m2v2^2 where: m1=m2=0.25kg v1=7m/s v2=-7m/s so: E1=0.5*0.25*7^2+0.5*0.25*7^2 E1=6.125+6.125 E1=12.25J

Answer:

d. 12.25J

2) According to the conservation of energy: E1=E2 so: E2=12.25J

Answer:

b. 12.25

3) P1=m1v2+m2v2=+1.75-1.75=0

Answer:

d. 0 kg∙m/s

4) Using conservation of momentum: P1=P2 so: P2=0

Answer:

b. 0 kg•m/s

Reflecting on the conservation of momentum and energy in a collision can provide valuable insights into physical principles at play. In the given scenario, two clay balls with equal masses but opposite momenta collide and stick together, eventually coming to a complete stop. By analyzing the total energy and momentum before and after the collision, we can better understand the dynamics of the system.

Before the collision, the total energy of the system can be calculated using the equation E1=0.5m1v1^2+0.5m2v2^2. Plugging in the values for mass and velocity, we find that E1 equals 12.25J. This represents the initial energy of the system before the collision.

After the collision, according to the conservation of energy principle, the total energy must remain constant. Therefore, the total energy of the system after the collision is also 12.25J. This exemplifies how energy is conserved in an isolated system.

Examining the total momentum before the collision, we find that it equals 0 kg∙m/s. This indicates that the momenta of the two clay balls cancel each other out, resulting in a net momentum of zero for the system.

Upon applying the conservation of momentum principle, we deduce that the total momentum after the collision is also 0 kg•m/s. This reaffirms the law of momentum conservation, showcasing that in the absence of external forces, the total momentum of a system remains constant.

By reflecting on the outcomes of the collision in terms of energy and momentum, we can deepen our understanding of fundamental physics concepts and appreciate the interconnectedness of these principles in real-world scenarios.

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