How Do Kinetic Energies Compare When Two Bodies Have Equal Momentum?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing the kinetic energies of two bodies with equal momentum, focusing on the relationship between their masses and velocities. The subject area is physics, specifically mechanics and the concepts of momentum and kinetic energy.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between kinetic energy and momentum, questioning the original poster's assumption that the kinetic energies are equal. They discuss how to derive the ratio of kinetic energies based on the given equal momentum condition.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to manipulate the equations related to momentum and kinetic energy. Some participants express confusion about the steps needed to derive the correct ratio, while others suggest methods to isolate variables and clarify the relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted misunderstanding regarding the initial equations used by the original poster, particularly the incorrect assumption that the kinetic energies are equal. Participants emphasize the need to start from the correct definitions of momentum and kinetic energy.

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Homework Statement



4. Two bodies of mass m1 and m2 have equal momentum their kinetic energies E1 and E2 are in the ratio.

ans. m2 : m1[/B]

Homework Equations


E1=E2
P= mv

The Attempt at a Solution



E1=E2
1/2M1v^2=1/2M2v^2
(Mv^2)/2=(M2v^2)/2
multiply both side by 2
mv^2=2(m2v^2)/2
mv^2= m2v^2

what should i do now? or the attemp is full wrong.
 
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Your attempt is wrong. How did you get E1 = E2?

By the given question we have equal momentum m_1v_1 = m_2v_2 We have to find out the ratio \frac{\frac{1}{2}m_1v^2_1}{\frac{1}{2}m_2v^2_2} . Try to get the second ratio using the first equation.
 
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Mastermind01 said:
Your attempt is wrong. How did you get E1 = E2?

By the given question we have equal momentum m_1v_1 = m_2v_2 We have to find out the ratio \frac{\frac{1}{2}m_1v^2_1}{\frac{1}{2}m_2v^2_2} . Try to get the second ratio using the first equation.
i don't know how to get the second ratio
 
alijan kk said:
i don't know how to get the second ratio

Well notice how you have to get v^2_1 and v^2_2 . So first off you square both sides and then try to remove the extra m_1 and m_2
 
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Mastermind01 said:
Well notice how you have to get v^2_1 and v^2_2 . So first off you square both sides and then try to remove the extra m_1 and m_2
i got

m1v^2=m2v^2 right?

should i square both side now
 
alijan kk said:
i got

m1v^2=m2v^2 right?

By squaring the equation you should get m^2_1v^2_1 = m^2_2v^2_2
 
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Mastermind01 said:
By squaring the equation you should get m^2_1v^2_1 = m^2_2v^2_2
how can i get :-'
 
give me the equation that i should try to solve
 
Well using the equation m^2_1v^2_1 = m^2_2v^2_2 you should get \frac{m_1v^2_1}{m_2v^2_2} = \frac{m_2}{m_1}
 
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  • #10
alijan kk said:
give me the equation that i should try to solve
In your original attempt your very first equation was wrong. You wrote E1=E2. As Mastermind explained, that is not what you are given. You are given p1=p2, where pi=mivi. I see no evidence that you have understood that.
Start again with the given information and show all your steps. Do not write "I got ...".
 

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