Calculating Kinetic Energy in Elastic Collisions: Hammer and Nail Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the kinetic energy acquired by a 12 g nail when struck by a 550 g hammer moving at an initial speed of 5.0 m/s, under the assumption of an elastic collision. Participants emphasize the importance of applying both conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy principles to solve the problem. The correct approach involves using the equations for elastic collisions to derive the final velocities and subsequently calculate the kinetic energy of the nail post-collision.

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  • Understanding of elastic collisions in physics
  • Familiarity with conservation of momentum
  • Knowledge of conservation of kinetic energy
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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  • Study the equations governing elastic collisions in one dimension
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  • Explore kinetic energy calculations in elastic and inelastic collisions
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of elastic collisions and kinetic energy calculations.

Cassie
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The collision between a hammer and a nail can be considered to be approximately elastic. Estimate the kinetic energy acquired by a 12 g nail when it is struck by a 550 g hammer moving with an initial speed of 5.0 m/s.

I thought I tried every combination of (1/2)(m+M)V^2 ... apparently except for the one I need. Any help on a step I am missing?
 
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use conservation of momentum, as well as conservation of kinetic energy.

show your steps.
 

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