Chemical Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy

In summary, the energy required to go from 32 mph to 64 mph is three times as much as the energy required to go from 0 mph to 32 mph. This is based on the equation KE=1/2mv^2 and the fact that there is a 1-1 correspondence between kinetic and chemical potential energy.
  • #1
pewpew23
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Homework Statement



The chemical potential energy in a certain amount of gasoline is converted to kinetic energy in a car that increased its speed from 0 mph to 32 mph. The car accelerated to 64 mph. Compared to the energy required to go from 0 to 32 mph, the energy required to go from 32 mph to 64 mph is

(A) half as much
(B) as much
(C) twice as much
(D) three times as much
(E) four times as much

Homework Equations



KE = 1/2mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Is there any equation for chemical potential energy?
I don't know what to do with just the KE equation.
 
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  • #2
The chemical potential energy in this question is a red herring. All you need is the kinetic energy. If you need twice as much kinetic energy, then you need twice as much chemical potential energy, it's a 1-1 correspondence (at least for simple problems like this, other factors such as engine efficiency at different temperatures are too complicated for this).
 
  • #3
so going from 0 to 64 would require twice as much kinetic and chemical potential energy as going from 0 to 32?

and going to 0 to 32 would require the same amount as going to 32 to 64?
 
  • #4
No, use your formula. KE=1/2mv^2

KE final - KE initial = energy required
 
  • #5
1/2m(32)^2 - 1/2(0)^2 = 512m

1/2m(64)^2 - 512m = 1536m

512m/1536 = 3 times as much
 
  • #6
Yea, looks good to me, except energy is expressed in J=joules not meters. =)
 

1. What is chemical potential energy?

Chemical potential energy is the energy stored within the chemical bonds of a substance. It is a form of potential energy that can be released through a chemical reaction.

2. How is chemical potential energy different from kinetic energy?

Chemical potential energy is potential energy, meaning it is energy that is stored and not currently in motion. Kinetic energy, on the other hand, is the energy of motion. It is the energy an object possesses due to its movement.

3. How does chemical potential energy affect the behavior of a substance?

Chemical potential energy plays a significant role in determining how a substance behaves. It can influence the chemical reactions and transformations that a substance undergoes, as well as its physical properties such as phase changes and heat capacity.

4. Can chemical potential energy be converted into kinetic energy?

Yes, chemical potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy through a chemical reaction. When bonds between atoms are broken, the potential energy stored in those bonds is released and can be transformed into kinetic energy, causing the atoms to move and collide with each other.

5. How is the amount of chemical potential energy in a substance determined?

The amount of chemical potential energy in a substance is determined by the types of chemical bonds present and their strength. The more bonds a substance has and the stronger those bonds are, the more chemical potential energy it will have stored. Additionally, the arrangement of atoms within a molecule can also affect the amount of chemical potential energy.

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