A proton moving with speed VAl in the +x-direction makes an elastic, off-enter collision with an identical proton originally at rest. After impact, the first proton moves with speed V A2 in the first quadrant at an angle a with the x-axis, and the second moves with speed VB2 in the fourth quadrant at an angle P with the x-axis (Fig. 8.13).
(a) Write the equations expressing conservation of linear momentum in the x- and y-directions.
(b) Square the equations from part (a) and add them.
(c) Now introduce the fact that the collision is elastic.
(d) Prove that a + P = w/2. (You have shown that this equation is obeyed in any elastic, off-enter collision between objects of equal mass when one object is initially at rest)