How to Calculate the Mass of a Car Based on Its Kinetic Energy and Speed?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of a car using its kinetic energy and speed, specifically focusing on the relationship between kinetic energy and mass in the context of classical mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct formula for kinetic energy and the importance of using appropriate units. There is an emphasis on isolating mass in the kinetic energy equation and converting speed from km/h to m/s.

Discussion Status

Multiple participants have pointed out the incorrect use of the kinetic energy formula and have provided guidance on the correct equation. There is an ongoing exploration of unit conversion and the implications of using standard units.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for clarity regarding units and the potential misunderstanding of physical quantities, indicating that the original poster may have misconceptions about the relationship between kinetic energy and mass.

Lovely
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An automobile traveling 25km/hour has kinetic energy equal to 1*10(6 power)J
all i know is KE=mass*km/hour
What is the mass of the car?
 
Last edited:
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Mm...check your equation.

E_{K}=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}

Isolate mass in this equation and substitute the information you have for the other variables. Remember that for kinetic energy to be in joules, mass must be in kilograms and velocity in meters per second.
 
Lovely said:
all i know is KE=mass*km/hour
No, KE = 1/2 m v^2. (Momentum is mass x speed; kinetic energy is a different thing altogether.) Be sure to use standard units: convert km/hour to m/s; mass will be in kg.
 
Lovely said:
An automobile traveling 25km/hour has kinetic energy equal to 1*10(6 power)J
all i know is KE=mass*km/hour
What is the mass of the car?



To add a little bit,the thing i underlined it is completely incorrect,because u have multiplied a unit with a physical quantity and got another physical quantity...That cannot be true... :wink:

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
To add a little bit,the thing i underlined it is completely incorrect,because u have multiplied a unit with a physical quantity and got another physical quantity...That cannot be true... :wink:

Daniel.
the equation is KE=1/2mv(squared)
 
Doc Al said:
No, KE = 1/2 m v^2. (Momentum is mass x speed; kinetic energy is a different thing altogether.) Be sure to use standard units: convert km/hour to m/s; mass will be in kg.
If I take these steps will I be able to find the mass of the car?
 
Provided u work correctly,of course...

Daniel.
 

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