The interaction between two billiard balls can be described as a classic example of elastic collision in physics. In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
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Initial Conditions: When one billiard ball (the cue ball) strikes another stationary billiard ball (the target ball), it has a certain velocity, and its momentum is directed toward the target ball.
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Collision: As the cue ball contacts the target ball, the force of the collision causes both balls to decelerate and accelerate in different directions. The point of contact and the angle of the collision determine how the balls will move post-collision.
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Momentum Transfer: The momentum from the cue ball is transferred to the target ball. If the cue ball hits the target ball at an angle, the balls will move off in different directions, following the laws of conservation of momentum. The total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.
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Kinetic Energy Conservation: In an ideal elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system (both balls) before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision.
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Post-Collision Motion: After the collision, the cue ball will typically slow down and travel in a different direction, while the target ball will gain speed and move away in the direction determined by the angle of impact.
This description simplifies the complexities involved, such as spin, friction, and the exact physics at play, but it captures the fundamental principles of the interaction between two billiard balls during a collision.
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