Successive oblique impacts
Section 1: Understanding Successive Oblique Impacts
- Recognise successive oblique impacts as when a particle bounces off multiple surfaces in sequence.
- Understand that after each collision, the particle moves in a different direction.
- Remember that all principles of collision and separation from tangential motion apply here.
Section 2: Considering Angles in Oblique Impacts
- Appreciate that the angle of projection (i.e. the angle between the incident velocity and the normal to the surface at the point of impact) affects the resulting motion of the particle.
- Learn that the particle’s motion can be split into vertical and horizontal components using trigonometry for better understanding and calculations.
- Know that angle of rebound (i.e. angle between the velocity after collision and the normal) is also crucial in determining subsequent movement.
Section 3: The Principle of Conservation of Linear Momentum in Oblique Impacts
- Familiarise with the concept of the principle of conservation of linear momentum as it applies to oblique impacts.
- Understand that momentum is conserved in both the direction parallel and perpendicular to the surface at the point of impact.
- This means, in absence of external forces, the momentum along the direction before and after the collision remains the same.
Section 4: Coefficient of Restitution in Oblique Impacts
- Recall that the coefficient of restitution is applicable in oblique impacts, much as in linear collisions.
- On collision, the horizontal speed remains constant, while vertical speed changes, affected by the coefficient of restitution.
- Be aware of situations where the coefficient of restitution might be different for different surfaces involved in the impacts.
Section 5: Problem Solving in Successive Oblique Impacts
- Master the use of vector diagrams to illustrate the motion of a particle undergoing successive oblique impacts.
- Develop skills in breaking down complex collision problems into simpler components for easier analysis and calculation.
- Become proficient in using trigonometry, laws of motion and coefficients of restitution to solve successive oblique impacts problems.
- Check understanding and improve problem-solving techniques through regular practice problems.