Calculating % Kenetic Energy Loss: Initial & Final Energies

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the percentage of kinetic energy lost between initial and final states in a physics problem. Participants are exploring the concept of kinetic energy and its changes, focusing on how to quantify the loss as a percentage.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to determine the correct formula for calculating the percentage of kinetic energy lost. Questions about the calculation process and the interpretation of kinetic energy values are raised, with some expressing uncertainty about the steps involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with several participants sharing their thoughts on the calculation method. Some have provided examples to illustrate the concept, while others are seeking clarification on the steps to take after finding the difference in kinetic energy. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet, but various interpretations and attempts are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of making their own attempts to understand the problem better, indicating a learning-focused environment. There is a sense of frustration from some members regarding the lack of direct answers, emphasizing the challenge of recalling the correct method.

bmed90
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I have to find the kenetic energy lost in the problem. I have both initial and final kenetic energy, how do i calculate the percent loss? I tried final over initial times 100 but that is not correct.
 
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How much KE is lost between the final and initial KE? That's the key in finding the percentage of the initial KE that is lost.
 
The answer is defenitaly negative, i know that
 
if you have an initial KE of say 50 units and end up with a final KE of say 40 units, then the KE that is lost is__________ ? Use that number as the numerator in your percent lost calculation.
 
Ok, so the change in kenetic energy over total kenetic energy multiplied by 100. Is that correct?
 
anyone?
 
PhanthomJay said:
if you have an initial KE of say 50 units and end up with a final KE of say 40 units, then the KE that is lost is__________ ? Use that number as the numerator in your percent lost calculation.

Don't rush:).As phantom said above.You have to find the "loss" of energy between initial and final moments. As an initial value you have 50 units, at the end you have only 40 left.Calculate how much energy we lost here.After that its all Mathematics...
 
Yes, I get the difference in 10, but after I find the difference, what do I do? I know this is a simple question. I just don't remember how to do this.
 
If you do lab reports in your science classes you will use the same formula to calculate the percentage error.
 
  • #10
Well,, I am not trying to be a douche, but why can't anyone just say _____here is what you do______. Like I said I don't remember that is why I am posting this in the first place.
 
  • #11
You should make your own attempt, you will not learn if you do not try yourself. When it comes to an exam you won't have a forum to help you.

Post your attempts, at least you'll be putting your brain to use by trying, if you are wrong then you will be corrected.
 
  • #12
Change/Initial...?
 
  • #13
times 100
 
  • #14
Well, I keep getting the wrong answer. That must not be right, but I could have sworn it is the right way to do this.
 

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