Energy problem with inelastic collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the energy transformed into internal energy during an inelastic collision involving a railroad car and three additional cars. The initial mass of the first car is 2.50x104 kg, moving at 4.00 m/s, while the three additional cars each have the same mass and are moving at 2.00 m/s. After the collision, the final velocity of the combined system is 2.50 m/s. The change in kinetic energy is equated to the work done, which corresponds to the change in internal energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inelastic collisions
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy calculations
  • Familiarity with the work-energy principle
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the initial and final kinetic energy of the system
  • Learn about the conservation of momentum in inelastic collisions
  • Explore the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Study examples of energy transformation in mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and energy transformations in collisions.

mickellowery
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Homework Statement


A railroad car with a mass 2.50x10^4 kg moves at 4.00 m/s. It collides and connects to 3 more cars each with the same weight as the first, they're moving 2.00 m/s. After they connect the final velocity was 2.50 m/s. How much energy is transformed into internal energy in the collision?


Homework Equations


I was trying to use [tex]\Delta[/tex]E=[tex]\Delta[/tex]K+[tex]\Delta[/tex]U=-fkd. I wasn't sure if this was the right approach, and I think maybe I'm setting everything up wrong because I'm not coming up with the right answer.


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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mickellowery said:

Homework Equations


I was trying to use [tex]\Delta[/tex]E=[tex]\Delta[/tex]K+[tex]\Delta[/tex]U=-fkd. I wasn't sure if this was the right approach, and I think maybe I'm setting everything up wrong because I'm not coming up with the right answer.

The change in kinetic energy should give the work done which should be the same as the change in internal energy.
 

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