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Two particles moving in 3 dimensions problem help?
two particles of masses m1 and m2 are moving in 3 dimensions and collide and leave the 6 unknown values{(v1x)f,(v1y)f,(v1z)f,(v2x)f,(v2y)f,(v2z)f}.
with no additional information given, how many conservation equations are there? is there enough information to solve for the 6 unknown values? If not how many additional equations or pieces of information are needed to solve for them?
2 Answers
- husoskiLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
Conservation of momentum gives 3 equations, one each in x, y and z. For an inelastic collision, you get three more in (v1x)f = (v2x)f, (v1y)f = (v2y)f, (v1z)f = (v2z)f.
For an elastic collision, you need to know at least one of the exit velocity vector directions. It takes two parameters, like θ and φ in spherical coordinates, to define a direction in 3-space, which gives you two equations. Conservation of kinetic energy supplies the sixth equation.
- 1 decade ago
If there are 6 unknown variables, then 6 equations are needed.
Source(s): My brain is my source.
