2 bullets fired at the same time - find kinetic energies

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the kinetic energies of two bullets with masses of 4.7 g and 11 g, both fired at a speed of 39.0 m/s. The kinetic energy formula used is KE = 1/2 mv², but participants emphasize the importance of converting mass from grams to kilograms for correct results. One user initially provides incorrect answers due to unit conversion errors and misunderstanding of significant digits. The conversation highlights the need for careful unit management in physics calculations. Ultimately, accurate conversion and attention to significant figures are crucial for obtaining the correct kinetic energy values.
nn3568
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Homework Statement


Two bullets have masses of 4.7 g and 11 g, respectively. Each is fired with a speed of 39.0 m/s.
a) What is the kinetic energy of the first bullet? Answer in units of J.
b) What is the kinetic energy of the second bullet? Answer in units of J.
c) What is the ratio K2/K1 of their kinetic energies?

Homework Equations


KE = 1/2 mv2

The Attempt at a Solution


KE = 1/2 * 4.7g * (39.02 m/s)
and so on...

However, I do not know why the site is telling me my answers are wrong!
 
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Hi nn3568,

nn3568 said:

Homework Statement


Two bullets have masses of 4.7 g and 11 g, respectively. Each is fired with a speed of 39.0 m/s.
a) What is the kinetic energy of the first bullet? Answer in units of J.
b) What is the kinetic energy of the second bullet? Answer in units of J.
c) What is the ratio K2/K1 of their kinetic energies?

Homework Equations


KE = 1/2 mv2

The Attempt at a Solution


KE = 1/2 * 4.7g * (39.02 m/s)
and so on...

However, I do not know why the site is telling me my answers are wrong!

Did you convert the mass units to kg before entering the answer (if you leave it in grams the answer will not be in joules)? If so, what did you get?
 
Yes, I did convert it into kg when I did the problem again but the site still said I was wrong :(

my answers thus far:
3574.35 (w/o changing to kg)
1.833 (no idea)
35.7435 (change to kg)
0.01 (from a bad source :( )
 
OH i get what i did wrong. i messed up in converting!
 
Mind your significant digits.

Too many may not be good.
 
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