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.
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?
I still don't understand what you are trying to say.
The initial velocity before A hit B was 40 m/s
Vb = Va sin 30/sin 45
then
Via = Va cos 30 + (Va sin 30/sin 45)cos 45
so Via = 40
You did not say that
use it
so you can solve for Va, the speed of A after
then for Vb the speed of B after
what is Va? That is what is confusing me the most
Va is the speed of A after collision
how would i do part b?
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