Calculating Car Speed from Kinetic Energy: A Helpful Guide"

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of a car from its kinetic energy using the formula KE = 0.5mv². The user initially miscalculated the speed based on an energy value of 479,609.6 joules and a mass of 1165 kg. A correct approach was provided, leading to the conclusion that the speed is approximately 28.69 m/s, or 103.3 km/h. The user expressed gratitude for the guidance and acknowledged the learning experience. The thread concludes with the problem being marked as solved.
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Homework Statement



This is not homework, I am too old for school. I am trying to teach myself accident reconstruction. The equation I have for impact utilizes crush points. The crush points reveals an energy of 479609.6 to crush the car, so what I am trying to figure out is the speed of the car in km/h.. Any help with this is appreciated greatly, thank you.

Is it possible to find km/h from K.E

Homework Equations



I know that KE = .5mv²

let's say the mass = 1165 kg and the K.E = 479609.6


The Attempt at a Solution



411.682 = 479609.6 / 1165

20.289 = sqr (479609.6)

10.144 m/s² = 20.289 / 2

36.532 km/h = 10.144 / .2777
 
Last edited:
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It's better to do the problem with variables, and not substitute values until the end.

start with E = (1/2)mv^2 and solve for v. Then put in the numbers.

I can't really tell what you're calculating here. You never use your first intermediate result, and the end result is wrong.

you need to supply units for the Kinetic Energy. I suppose they are Joules?
 
Close. Notice the way I worked through the information. You gave yourself a bit of extra work by solving each little piece bit by bit. Somewhere you dropped a number.


K= 479,600 joules (additional digits are insignificant here)
m= 1165 kg

K= .5 mv² v=√(2K/m)
v=√(2•479,000 J/1165 kg)= 28.69 m/s = 103.3 km/h
 
Thank you very much Chi Meson, I was not even close, man did I make a mess. I really appreciate you pointing me in the right direction. Now that I see how it is done, I will not forget this lesson. Thanks again ~ Probie
 
This thread can be marked as solved. Thank you very much again Chi Meson. You people are the greatest in the world. Thanks.
 
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