Notes

Collision in Two-Dimensions…

Collision in Two-Dimensions – Oblique collision The collision after which the direction of velocity of bodies make some angle with the direction of velocities of body before the collision is known as oblique collision. Consider two objects, P of mass m1. Moving with speed u along X – axis and Q of mass m2 at rest. Suppose, the collision is oblique (not head – on) and m1 moves with velocity v1 at angle θ and m2 with velocity v2 at any angle ɸ as shown below. In this type of collision, we resolve the velocities in two mutually perpendicular axes.

From conservation of linear momentum, (px)i = (px)f ⇒ m1u = (m1 + m2)vx = m1v1cosθ + m2v2cos ɸ (py)i = (py)f ⇒ 0 = m1v1sinθ – m2v2sin ɸ ⇒ v1sinθ = v2sin ɸ