Is the Loss of Kinetic Energy Related to the Volume of a Copper Atom?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the loss of kinetic energy and the volume of a copper atom, specifically in the context of a multi-part physics problem involving calculations of kinetic energy and assumptions regarding atomic properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about calculations related to kinetic energy and seek clarification on assumptions made in the problem. There are questions regarding specific speed values after impact and how they affect the overall kinetic energy loss.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on calculations, indicating that certain interpretations may have been misread. There is an ongoing exploration of assumptions related to the volume of a copper atom, with one participant suggesting a quick search for its atomic volume.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through specific parts of the problem, particularly parts c) and d), while also considering part e) which involves assumptions about atomic volume. There is mention of a calculated atomic volume for copper, but uncertainty remains regarding the assumptions needed for the problem.

Bolter
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Homework Statement
Work out the overall loss in kinetic energy
Relevant Equations
P=mv
PE = mgh
KE = 1/2mv^2
Unsure on whether I have done part d) right for this question

Screenshot 2019-12-20 at 19.07.18.png


Here is what I have done already:

IMG_3523.JPG


IMG_3524.JPG


Any help would be great! Thanks
 
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I didn't understand your calculation in part c. You had 0.532 m/s for A's speed after impact, but it became 0.153 somehow.
 
Bolter said:
Homework Statement:: Work out the overall loss in kinetic energy
Homework Equations:: P=mv
PE = mgh
KE = 1/2mv^2

Unsure on whether I have done part d) right for this question

View attachment 254437

Here is what I have done already:

Any help would be great! Thanks

Looks okay to me.

What are your assumptions for part e)? Did you try googling for volume of copper atom?
 
haruspex said:
I didn't understand your calculation in part c. You had 0.532 m/s for A's speed after impact, but it became 0.153 somehow.

Sorry you are correct. A's speed after impact should have read 0.532 m/s. I don't know why but I misinterpreted it as 0.153 for some apparent reason :headbang:

EDIT: my loss in KE still comes out to be the same as I remember punching in 0.532 m/s onto the calculator.
 
PeroK said:
Looks okay to me.

What are your assumptions for part e)? Did you try googling for volume of copper atom?

I have done a quick google search, and the atomic volume of copper comes out to be '1.182 x 10^-29 m^3' so both values are of the same magnitude roughly. For assumptions, I'm not too certain.
 

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