Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Conservation of Momentum
The principle of conservation of momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event must equal the total momentum after the event. In this bowling scenario, the momentum of the bowling ball and the pin must be analyzed before and after the collision to determine their respective speeds. This principle is crucial for solving problems involving collisions.
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Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
Collisions can be classified as elastic or inelastic based on whether kinetic energy is conserved. In this case, the collision between the bowling ball and the pin can be treated as inelastic since the ball transfers some of its momentum to the pin, resulting in a change in their velocities. Understanding the nature of the collision helps in applying the correct equations to find the final speeds.
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Vector Components
When analyzing collisions, it is essential to break down velocities into their vector components, typically along the x and y axes. In this problem, the pin moves at an angle of 75° after the collision, necessitating the use of trigonometric functions to resolve its velocity into components. This approach allows for the application of conservation laws in multiple dimensions.
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