How Do You Calculate the Kinetic Energy of a Moving Body?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the kinetic energy of a body with a mass of 1 kg dropped horizontally at 20 m/s after 4 seconds, the correct approach involves considering both the horizontal and vertical components of velocity as vectors. The vertical component after 4 seconds is calculated to be -40 m/s, while the horizontal component remains 20 m/s. The total velocity is found using the Pythagorean theorem, resulting in a magnitude of 45 m/s. Substituting this value into the kinetic energy formula gives Ek = 1000 J. The initial incorrect calculation of 3200 J was due to neglecting the vertical velocity component and the influence of gravity.
kaspis245
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Homework Statement


A body, which has mass of m = 1 kg , is dropped with a horizontal speed of vo = 20 m/s . What is its kinetic energy after 4 s ?

Homework Equations


Ek = mv2/2
s = vot + gt2/2

The Attempt at a Solution


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Is it correct?

P. S. There is a mistake: Ek = 3200 J
 
Last edited:
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It's wrong. First of all, you should add the velocities as vectors. And, in this case, those vectors are at 90º...
 
after 4 seconds ,,
It would have a vertical component of velocity equal to (v0-gt)"which is what you have calculated in your derivative , which is incomplete too , " and a horizontal component equal to (v0 cos [theta=0])(which you haven't included)

Just find the magnitude of them and substitute the value of velocity in the kinetic energy formula
 
OK, from your answers I understood that:

vy = voy - gt
So, after 4 s :
vy = 0 - 10 m/s2 * 4s = -40 m/s

vx = 20 m/s (since it does not change)

v2 = (vy)2+(vx)2 = 2000 m2/s2

v = 45 m/s

Ek = mv2/2 = 1000 J

Corrected
 
Last edited:
You have forgotten g...
 
What about now?
 
kaspis245 said:
What about now?

Now it's right...
 
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