Conservation of Momentum- Inelastic Collisions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around understanding the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy in an inelastic collision scenario involving a crossbow dart and a zombie's head. The user calculated the initial kinetic energy of the dart and its velocity before the collision, as well as the final velocity of the combined mass after the collision. They expressed uncertainty about calculating the fractional kinetic energy lost during the collision. After guidance, they confirmed their calculations for the final kinetic energy and the kinetic energy lost, arriving at a loss of approximately 0.9729. The user expressed appreciation for the help received and their enthusiasm for learning physics concepts.
Crusader711
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1. This was a hard test question that I took partial credit on. I want to fully understand what I did wrong so that I’m fluid with the concept. I’m also new to this forum. I love constructive criticism too! lol
Zombie Apocalypse has arrived and the war has begun. Your task as a physics student is to gather intel on the Kinetic energy lost due to the collision of darts on their vulnerable heads. Your crossbow can be modeled as a spring with a 1500N/m constant that can be drawn back to a 32cm maximum. You shoot your 35.0 gram crossbow dart at the zombie's 5.1kg head, striking it horizontally level as fired from your position. The dart buries itself in the zombie's head, and the head slides back across the level table. The CIA needs the fractional amount of Kinetic energy lost in the collision compared to the initial kinetic energy, that is, [delta KE]/KEi




2. Homework Equations :
Crossbow Dart KE= 1/2kx^2
Conservation of Momentum
Before Collision- Pi= m1v1 + m2v2= kg/m/s
KEi= 1/2m1v1^2 + 1/2m2v2^2= Joules
After Collision- P’= m1v1’ + m2v2’= kg/m/s
KEf= 1/2m1v1^2’ + 1/2m2v2^2’= Joules
…m1v1=(m1+m2)v2





3. I tried a few different things, more or less throwing mud on the wall to see what sticks at minimum. But here goes…
1. Crossbow Dart KE= ½(1500N/m)(0.32m)^2= 76.8J
2. Solve for V1, ½(0.035kg)(v)^2=(1500N/m)(0.32)^2
….Result 66.25 m/s
3. Solve for V2, (0.035kg)(66.25m/s)= (0.035kg + 5.1kg)v2
….Result 0.451557 m/s …0.45 m/s
4. This is where I think I’m lost…delta KE/KE? Up to this point I hope this is right?


Thank you all for the guidance
 
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What is the final kinetic energy of the system? How much is lost?
 
The final KEf should be 1/2(m1+m2)v2^2, which we would subtract from the initial KEi= 1/2m1v1^2, then divide by the KEi?
 
Correct.
 
Awesome...so I'm looking at approx 74.728J/76.809J= 0.9729 which is my loss in Kinetic Energy. That wasn't too bad I suppose for a University Physics course student :-)

Thanks "voko"...I do appreciate the guidance.
 
You are welcome. And welcome to Physics Forums, too!
 
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