I want to know how I can check my work mathematically in this 2-D inelastic head on collision problem. The formula I used was m1(v1i)+ m2(v2i) = (m1+m2)vf....in which I solved for vf
Of course, I did this twice to get the separate x and y components , and added the vectors together to get Vf. I just want to know how I can check my answer to make sure it is correct.

Question

I want to know how I can check my work mathematically in this 2-D inelastic head on collision problem. The formula I used was m1(v1i)+ m2(v2i) = (m1+m2)vf....in which I solved for vf
Of course, I did this twice to get the separate x and y components ,  and added the vectors together to get Vf. I just want to know how I can check my answer to make sure it is correct.

anonymous · Answer

Your method is correct in principle.