Is the conservation of energy being applied correctly in this scenario?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of an isolated system model to determine the speed of an object and its maximum height above a table. The objects are connected by a light string passing over a light, frictionless pulley, and one object is released from rest at a height of 4 meters. The final equation used to find the speed of the object is Ei=Ef, where m1gh=m2gh + .5(m1+m2)v2. The final calculated speed is 4.43m/s.
  • #1
Kuklinski
1
0
I don't know if I'm setting up the energies correctly.

1. Two objects are connected by a light string passing over a light, frictionless pulley. The object of mass m1=5.00kg is released from rest at a height h=4m above the table. Using the isolated system model, (a) determine the speed of the object of mass m2=3.00kg just as the 5.00-kg object hits the table and (b) find the maximum height above the table which the 3.00-kg object rises.
2. E1=Ef
KE=.5mv2
U=mgh
3. Ei=Ef
m1gh=m2gh + .5(m1+m2)v2
5(9.8)(4) = 3(9.8)(4) + .5(8)(v2
v=4.43m/s
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi Kuklinski! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Kuklinski said:
Two objects are connected by a light string passing over a light, frictionless pulley. The object of mass m1=5.00kg is released from rest at a height h=4m above the table. Using the isolated system model, (a) determine the speed of the object of mass m2=3.00kg just as the 5.00-kg object hits the table and (b) find the maximum height above the table which the 3.00-kg object rises.

Ei=Ef
m1gh=m2gh + .5(m1+m2)v2
5(9.8)(4) = 3(9.8)(4) + .5(8)(v2
v=4.43m/s

Yes, that looks fine. :smile:

What's worrying you about it? :confused:​
 

Related to Is the conservation of energy being applied correctly in this scenario?

What is conservation of energy?

Conservation of energy is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total energy in a closed system remains constant over time. This means that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another.

Why is conservation of energy important?

Conservation of energy is important because it helps us understand and predict how energy behaves in various systems. It also allows us to make efficient use of energy by minimizing waste and maximizing its usefulness.

What are some examples of conservation of energy in everyday life?

Some examples of conservation of energy in everyday life include turning on a light bulb, riding a bike, or throwing a ball. In each of these cases, the energy is transformed from one form to another, but the total amount of energy remains the same.

How does conservation of energy relate to the first law of thermodynamics?

The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. This is directly related to the principle of conservation of energy, as both describe the constant nature of energy in a closed system.

Are there any exceptions to the principle of conservation of energy?

There are no known exceptions to the principle of conservation of energy. However, in certain situations, it may appear that energy is being created or destroyed due to incomplete understanding or measurement errors. In these cases, further investigation often reveals that energy is simply being transferred or converted in ways that were not initially apparent.

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