How Do I Calculate Velocity from Mass and Kinetic Energy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating velocity from mass and kinetic energy using the formula KE = 1/2 mv². The user, Ron, provided a mass of 1.3 kg and kinetic energy of 41.5 J. The correct approach involves isolating the velocity variable, leading to the equation v = √(2 * KE / m). Substituting the given values results in a velocity of approximately 7.98 m/s. This method emphasizes the importance of algebraic manipulation before inserting numerical values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy formula (KE = 1/2 mv²)
  • Basic algebra skills for isolating variables
  • Familiarity with square root calculations
  • Knowledge of units of measurement (kg, J, m/s)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the kinetic energy formula (KE = 1/2 mv²)
  • Learn how to manipulate equations to isolate variables
  • Practice solving physics problems involving kinetic energy and velocity
  • Explore related concepts such as potential energy and conservation of energy
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone seeking to understand the relationship between mass, kinetic energy, and velocity calculations.

truckerron1
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hi I am new and new to physics i am have a lot of trouble with this problem

mass =1.3kg
41.5J
how do i get the velocity

so far i have it wrote like this
41.5J=1/2(1.3kg)(v)^2

but don't know how else to do please help thanks ron
 
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The equation KE=1/2mv^2 says that the kinetic energy is equal to half of the mass of the object times the object's velocity squared. So you need to solve for velocity (v). Isolate the v variable using algebra (try to get v by itself on one side of the equation).
 
Last edited:
KE=1/2mv^2
41,5J=1/2*1,3*v^2
41,5J/(1/2*1,3)=1/2*1,3*v^2/1/2*1,3
63,8=v^2
sqrt(63,8)=v
v=7,98 m/s
 
You will find that it is easier to do your algebra BEFORE plugging in the numbers. You have

\mbox{KE} = \frac 1 2 m v^2
then
2 \mbox{KE} = m v^2
then

2 \frac {\mbox{KE}} m = v^2

so

v = \sqrt { 2 \frac {\mbox{KE}} m }

Now you can substitute in your numbers and arrive at the numeric solution.
 
Last edited:
thank you for the help i have been out of school 24 years and this is my last semester for my degree thanks ron
 

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