How Do You Calculate Car Mass from Kinetic Energy Change?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the mass of a car based on its change in kinetic energy as it accelerates from 18 m/s to 35 m/s, with a given change in kinetic energy of 154 kJ. The subject area pertains to mechanics, specifically kinetic energy and momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between kinetic energy and momentum, questioning the validity of different equations presented. There is an exploration of how to relate the change in kinetic energy to the mass of the car.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants attempting to clarify the correct equations to use and how they relate to the problem at hand. Some have suggested constructing an equation that connects change in kinetic energy to mass, while others have pointed out missing components in their formulations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the implications of the equations provided and the assumptions underlying the definitions of kinetic energy and momentum. There is a focus on ensuring all necessary factors are included in their calculations.

Marts12
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Homework Statement



A) A car moving at 18 m/s is accelerated to 35 m/s. If the change in kinetic energy is 154 kJ, determine the mass of the car.

Homework Equations



KE = 0.5mv^2
Kinetic energy = change in momentum = mv2-mv1


The Attempt at a Solution



Im not sure how to go about this problem, but I suspect that the mass can be obtained from the fact that kinetic energy is equal to the change in momentum?
 
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Marts12 said:
KE = 0.5mv^2
Kinetic energy = change in momentum = mv2-mv1

Aren't these two equations contradictory? Which one is correct?
 
KE=0.5mv^2 is the correct equation for kinetic energy, but we are given that.

Am I right in saying that I need an equation that relates the change in Kinetic energy to mass?
 
Marts12 said:
KE=0.5mv^2 is the correct equation for kinetic energy, but we are given that.

Am I right in saying that I need an equation that relates the change in Kinetic energy to mass?
Yes, and you already have all the ingredients to construct that equation yourself.
 
Ok,

If I were to say that Change in Kinetic Energy = mv2^2 - mv1^2

Where v2 = final velocity and
V1 = initial velocity

Would I be on the right lines?
 
Marts12 said:
Ok,

If I were to say that Change in Kinetic Energy = mv2^2 - mv1^2

Where v2 = final velocity and
V1 = initial velocity

Would I be on the right lines?
Nearly, but you lost the 1/2.
 
Perfect so,

Change in Kinetic Energy = 0.5mv2^2 - 0.5mv1^2

Thank you for your help DrClaude
 

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