How Do You Calculate Momentum and Kinetic Energy of a Moving Truck?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the momentum and kinetic energy of a 2000 kg truck moving at 30 m/s before it stops after hitting a haystack. The original momentum is correctly calculated as 60,000 kg·m/s, while the final momentum is 0 kg·m/s after the truck stops. The initial kinetic energy is calculated to be 900,000 Joules, but there is confusion regarding the unit, as it should be expressed in Joules rather than kg·m/s. The final kinetic energy is confirmed to be 0 Joules since the truck's final velocity is 0 m/s. Clarification on the units and calculations is emphasized to ensure accuracy in the results.
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Homework Statement


A 2000 kg truck is moving at a speed of 30 m/s. It hits a haystack and stops in 80m.
1a. What is the original momentum of the truck?
1b. What is the final momentum of the truck?
2a. What is the original kinetic energy of the truck?
2b. What is the final kinetic energy of the truck?

I'm not sure how to do these, and I've started some, but stuck on the last two. Also, am I correct in assuming final velocity to be 0 m/s?

Homework Equations


m1v1i + m2v2i = m1v1f + m2v2f
(1/2)m1v1i2 + (1/2)m2v2i2 = (1/2)m1v1f2 + (1/2)m2v2f2
P=mv

The Attempt at a Solution


1a. P=mv
P=(2000 kg)(30m/s)= 60,000 kg x m/s

1b. P=mv
P=(2000kg)(0 m/s) = 0 kg x m/s
 
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ChessFanatic said:

Homework Statement


A 2000 kg truck is moving at a speed of 30 m/s. It hits a haystack and stops in 80m.
1a. What is the original momentum of the truck?
1b. What is the final momentum of the truck?
2a. What is the original kinetic energy of the truck?
2b. What is the final kinetic energy of the truck?

I'm not sure how to do these, and I've started some, but stuck on the last two. Also, am I correct in assuming final velocity to be 0 m/s?

Homework Equations


m1v1i + m2v2i = m1v1f + m2v2f
(1/2)m1v1i2 + (1/2)m2v2i2 = (1/2)m1v1f2 + (1/2)m2v2f2
P=mv

The Attempt at a Solution


1a. P=mv
P=(2000 kg)(30m/s)= 60,000 kg x m/s

1b. P=mv
P=(2000kg)(0 m/s) = 0 kg x m/s
You have done 1a & 1b correctly.

Do you know how to calculate kinetic energy?
 
The initial kinetic energy of the truck is 900,000 kg x m/s? that seems wrong.. but the final should be 0, since final velocity would be 0 m/s.
 
ChessFanatic said:
The initial kinetic energy of the truck is 900,000 kg x m/s? that seems wrong.. but the final should be 0, since final velocity would be 0 m/s.
kg x m/s is wrong certainly. The number is right if you meant kg m2/s2 (better known as Joules). Why did it seem wrong?
 
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