Father and Son Racing Kinetic Energy

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In summary, a father and son are racing with the father having half the kinetic energy of the son. After the father speeds up by 1.0 m/s, they both have the same kinetic energy. The original speeds of the father and son can be found by setting the initial and final kinetic energy equations equal to each other and solving for the initial speed of the father. However, there was a mistake in the algebra and the correct initial speed of the father is 2.4 m/s, not 1.0 m/s as stated in the book.
  • #1
Arman777
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Homework Statement


A father racing his son has half the kinetic energy of the son,who has half the mass of the father.The father speeds up by ##1.0\frac {m} {s}## and then has the same kinetic energy as the son.What are the original speeds of (a)the father and (b) the son

Homework Equations


##E_k=\frac 1 2 mv^2##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]##m_f=2m_s##
##2E_f=E_s##

İnital situation;
##2E_f= m_f(v_{f_0})^2=E_s=\frac 1 2 m_s(v_{s_0})^2##

so
##m_f=2m_s##

then we will obtain ##4(v_{f_0})^2=(v_{s_0})^2##

Final situation

##\frac 1 2 m_f(v_{f_0}+1)^2=\frac 1 2 m_s(v_{s_0})^2##

then I get ##v_{f_0}=1\frac {m} {s}## which book says its ##2.4\frac {m} {s}##

Where I am going wrong ? (My native language is not english so If made a mistake in understanding the question so sorry )

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Arman777 said:
##\frac 1 2 m_f(v_{f_0}+1)^2=\frac 1 2 m_s(v_{s_0})^2##
Everything looks good here. Show how you got your answer.
 
  • #3
Doc Al said:
Everything looks good here. Show how you got your answer.

##\frac 1 2 m_f(v_{f_0}+1)^2=\frac 1 2 m_s(v_{s_0})^2##

we know that

##m_f=2m_s##
so
##\frac 1 2 2m_s(v_{f_0}+1)^2=\frac 1 2 m_s(v_{s_0})^2##

then we get ;

##2m_s(v_{f_0}+1)^2=m_s(v_{s_0})^2##

##2(v_{f_0}+1)^2=(v_{s_0})^2## (1)

##\frac {(v_{s_0})^2} 2=2(v_{f_0})^2## (2) From the ##4(v_{f_0})^2=(v_{s_0})^2##

lets put this ##Eq_2## in the ##Eq_1##

##(v_{f_0}+1)^2=2(v_{f_0})^2##

##(v_{f_0})^2+2(v_{f_0})+1=2(v_{f_0})^2##

##(v_{f_0})^2-2(v_{f_0})-1=0##

##((v_{f_0})-1)^2=0##

##(v_{f_0})=1\frac {m} {s}##
 
  • #4
Arman777 said:
##(v_{f_0})^2-2(v_{f_0})-1=0##

##((v_{f_0})-1)^2=0##
This is where you're messing up.
 
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  • #5
Doc Al said:
This is where you're messing up.

Oh I see.Thanks.unbelievable...
 

1. What is work in relation to kinetic energy?

Work is defined as the transfer of energy from one object to another. In the context of kinetic energy, work refers to the change in the kinetic energy of an object due to external forces acting on it.

2. How is work calculated in relation to kinetic energy?

The formula for calculating work in relation to kinetic energy is W = 1/2mv2 - 1/2mv02, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. This formula takes into account the change in kinetic energy from an initial state (v0) to a final state (v).

3. What are some examples of work related to kinetic energy?

Examples of work related to kinetic energy include pushing a car to make it move, throwing a ball, and riding a bike. In each of these examples, an external force is applied to an object, causing its velocity to change and resulting in a change in kinetic energy.

4. How does work affect an object's kinetic energy?

When work is done on an object, it can either increase or decrease the object's kinetic energy. If the work is done in the same direction as the object's motion, the kinetic energy will increase. If the work is done in the opposite direction of the object's motion, the kinetic energy will decrease.

5. Can work be negative in relation to kinetic energy?

Yes, work can be negative in relation to kinetic energy. This occurs when the external force applied to an object is in the opposite direction of its motion, resulting in a decrease in kinetic energy. It is important to note that negative work does not necessarily mean the object's kinetic energy will become negative, rather it will decrease in magnitude.

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