2D Collisions
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 69 of 94.
A collision at an angle: conserve momentum along x, and separately along y.
total px before = total px after, total py before = total py after
After the hit, A goes up and to the right, B down and to the right.
No y momentum before: the y momenta after are equal and opposite. Tip to tail, the momenta after add up to the momentum before.
The two momenta after the collision add up to the momentum before.
Challenge
A 0.2 kg puck slides at 6 m/s along the x axis and hits a 0.3 kg puck at rest. Afterwards the 0.2 kg puck moves at 3 m/s, 60° above the x axis. Find the x velocity v2x of the 0.3 kg puck.
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
1Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force2Friction
What is Friction?Static FrictionKinetic FrictionFriction and Newton's LawsRecap - Sliding Crate3Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge6Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target9Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster12Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track15Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator