How is Kinetic Energy Conserved in an Elastic Collision?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conservation of kinetic energy in elastic collisions, specifically involving two steel balls with masses of 8.5 kg and 5 kg. The total kinetic energy before the collision is calculated to be 612 Joules using the formula 1/2mvi2. To solve for the velocities of both balls after the collision, participants emphasize the necessity of applying both conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of elastic collisions
  • Familiarity with the conservation of momentum
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy calculations
  • Proficiency in algebraic manipulation of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of elastic collisions in detail
  • Learn how to apply conservation of momentum in collision problems
  • Explore kinetic energy formulas and their applications in physics
  • Practice solving problems involving multiple objects in collisions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and collision theory, as well as educators looking for practical examples of kinetic energy conservation.

fizziksr0cks
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 8.5 kg steel ball, traveling left to right at 12 m/s, undergoes an elastic collision with a 5 kg steel ball at rest. To the nearest Joule, what is the Total Kinetic Energy of the two balls after collision? If the first ball has a mass of 10 kg and the second ball is traveling at it with a speed of 3 m/s, what is the velocity, to one decimal place, of the first ball after collision? What is the velocity of the second ball to one decimal place?

Homework Equations



1/2mvi2+1/2mvii2=KE

The Attempt at a Solution


Question 1:
1/2 (8.5)(122)= 612 J
Question 2 & 3:
I'm not sure the equation needed to solve for the needed. I'm pretty sure that if I can get question 2 then the same method will be used to solve question 3.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For questions 2 and 3 you need to conserve momentum in addition to energy conservation.
 

Similar threads

Expectation of Kinetic Energy for Deuteron
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
Work done during a collision -- Change in Kinetic Energy & change in Momentum
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Lagrangian of a double pendulum, finding kinetic energy
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Confused about a conservation of energy problem
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How Do You Solve for Final Velocities in Elastic Collisions?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
MHB Calculating Kinetic Energy After Collision of Balls A & B
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Collision of electrons, kinetic energy?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Potential and Kinetic energy equations including drag coefficient
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Kinetic energy and momentum in an elastic collision
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Deriving the kinetic energy flux in an effusion process
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K