Question

Two asteroids
of equal mass collide as shown in the
figure. After the collision, asteroid A’s
trajectory is deflected by 30 degrees
from its initial motion. Asteroid B is
initially at rest and its final velocity
makes a 45 degree angle with respect
to the initial trajectory of asteroid A.

Answer 1

momentum x = m Via
momentum y = 0

after
m Via = m Va cos 30 + m Vb cos 45

0 = m Va sin 30 - m Vb sin 45

Answer 2

a) What is the final speed of each asteroid? Express your answer as a vector.
b) What fraction of asteroid A’s initial kinetic energy dissipates during the collision?

Answer 3

You have to use the two equations I derived to get Va and Vb in terms of Via, the initial speed of A
then you can do the x and y components

Answer 4

The initial velocity before A hit B was 40 m/s

Answer 5

I still don't understand what you are trying to say.

Answer 6

Vb = Va sin 30/sin 45

then
Via = Va cos 30 + (Va sin 30/sin 45)cos 45

Answer 7

so Via = 40
You did not say that
use it

Answer 8

so you can solve for Va, the speed of A after
then for Vb the speed of B after

Answer 9

what is Va? That is what is confusing me the most

Answer 10

Va is the speed of A after collision

Answer 11

how would i do part b?

Answer 12

once you have Va and Vb
Ke before = (1/2) m Via^2

Ke after = (1/2) m Va^2 + (1/2) m Vb^2

note m cancels everywhere in this problem

I think you can do the lost over the initial

Answer 13

Thank you so much

Answer 14

You are welcome.