Calculating PSI from Kinetic Energy and Tank Size

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the resulting PSI from the kinetic energy of a 100 kg mass moving at 7 m/s when compressed into a tank measuring 15 cm x 15 cm x 60 cm. The kinetic energy is calculated using the formula K = 0.5mv², resulting in 2450 joules. Applying Boyle's Law (PV = K), the volume of the tank is determined to be 0.0135 m³, leading to a pressure of 181481 pascals, which converts to approximately 26.3 PSI. Participants confirm that this PSI value is appropriate given the tank size.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations using the formula K = 0.5mv²
  • Familiarity with Boyle's Law and its application in pressure-volume relationships
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversions between pascals and PSI
  • Ability to perform volume calculations for rectangular prisms
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced applications of Boyle's Law in real-world scenarios
  • Explore kinetic energy concepts in fluid dynamics
  • Learn about pressure calculations in varying tank sizes and shapes
  • Investigate the implications of kinetic energy on gas compression in larger systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in the practical applications of kinetic energy and gas laws in pressure calculations.

BenChicago
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



What is the resulting PSI when the kinetic energy of 100 kg at 7 m/s is used to compress air into a 15cm x 15cm x 60cm tank?


Homework Equations



Kinetic energy K = 0.5mv^2
Boyle's Law PV = K

The Attempt at a Solution



.5 x 100 x 7^2
50 x 49 = 2450 joules

.15 x .15 x .6 = .0135m^3
.0135 x V = 2450
V = 181481 pascals
V = 26.3 psi

** is this correct? seems like the psi is too small
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You can't just sanity check the pressure;

What if the tank were the size of a football stadium? Then 28 PSI would be a huge pressure for this problem.

It seems right to me for the size of the tank.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K