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(III) A neon atom (m =20.0 u) makes a perfectly elastic
Chapter 1, Problem 45P(choose chapter or problem)
(III) A neon atom (m =20.0 u) makes a perfectly elastic collision with another atom at rest. After the impact, the neon atom travels away at a 55.6° angle from its original direction and the unknown atom travels away at a -50.0° angle. What is the mass (in u) of the unknown atom? [Hint You could use the law of sines.)
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
(III) A neon atom (m =20.0 u) makes a perfectly elastic collision with another atom at rest. After the impact, the neon atom travels away at a 55.6° angle from its original direction and the unknown atom travels away at a -50.0° angle. What is the mass (in u) of the unknown atom? [Hint You could use the law of sines.)
ANSWER:
We have to determine the mass of the unknown atom on which the neon atom is colliding, such that the collision is a perfect elastic collision.
Step 1 of 6
Concept:
Perfectly elastic collision: In a perfect elastic collision, the momentum of the system and as well as the total energy of the system remain conserved.
Law of conservation of linear momentum: According to the law of conservation of linear momentum, the total momentum of the system before a collision is equal to the total momentum of the system after the collision.
Law of conservation of energy: According to the law of conservation of energy, the total energy of the system before a collision is equal to the total energy of the system after collision.