Calculating Thermal Energy from a Head-On Collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the thermal energy produced from a head-on collision between two railroad cars, each with a mass of 6500 kg and an initial speed of 86 km/h (2.389 m/s). The kinetic energy (KE) formula, KE = 1/2 mv², is applied to determine the energy conversion during the collision. It is crucial to account for the kinetic energy of both cars, as both contribute to the total thermal energy generated upon impact. The correct calculation reveals that the total thermal energy produced is derived from the combined kinetic energies of both cars.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations
  • Familiarity with unit conversions (km/h to m/s)
  • Basic knowledge of physics principles related to collisions
  • Ability to apply conservation of energy concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of conservation of momentum in collisions
  • Learn about energy transformation during inelastic collisions
  • Explore detailed examples of kinetic energy calculations
  • Investigate real-world applications of thermal energy in collisions
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding energy transformations during collisions will benefit from this discussion.

crisicola
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I've got a question on thermal energy:

Two railroad cars, each of mass 6500 kg and traveling 86 km/h, collide head-on and come to rest. How much thermal energy is produced in this collision?

Converted 86 km/h to m/s = 2.389 m/s
I assumed that KE converted all into thermal energy:
KE = 1/2 mv^2, but it doesn't turn out right.

Thank you beforehand for any help!
 
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Check your conversion. Also, did you include the kinetic energy of both cars?
 

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