How Do I Calculate Velocity from Mass and Kinetic Energy?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating velocity from mass and kinetic energy, specifically using the kinetic energy formula KE = 1/2 mv². The original poster presents a specific problem involving a mass of 1.3 kg and a kinetic energy of 41.5 J.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore algebraic manipulation of the kinetic energy formula to isolate the velocity variable. Some suggest performing algebraic steps before substituting numerical values, while others provide a direct calculation approach.

Discussion Status

There are multiple approaches being discussed, with some participants providing algebraic insights and others sharing numerical calculations. Guidance has been offered on how to rearrange the formula for clarity, but no consensus on a single method has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions being out of school for an extended period, which may influence their approach to the problem. There is an emphasis on understanding the algebra involved in the calculation.

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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