Kinetic Energy/Momentum from change in direction and speed

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the change in momentum and kinetic energy of a truck transitioning from traveling north to east while accelerating. The momentum is determined using the formula p = mv, with initial and final velocities converted to consistent units. The change in kinetic energy is calculated using KE = 1/2mv^2, leading to a significant difference in energy values. Participants clarify that momentum is a vector quantity requiring direction consideration, while kinetic energy is a scalar. The importance of unit consistency and vector resolution in momentum calculations is emphasized.
threewingedfury
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From a calculus based physics course:

A 2100 kg truck that travels north at 41 km/hr is turning east and accelerating to 60 km/hr
-What are the magnitudes and direction of change in the trucks momentum?
- What is the change in the trucks kinetic energy?

I need some help on steps - because I'm lost
 
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momentum p = mv. Use this to work out the magnitudes of the vectors, then resolve the vector system.
K.E. = 1/2mv^2
 
would the change in KE be:
KE = .5mv^2
KE1 = .5(2100)(41km/hr * 0.277777778 m/s)^2
KE2 = .5(2100)(60km/hr * .277777778 m/s)^2
KE1-KE2 = 136192.132-291666.671
KE=-155474.54
 
and the momentum would be
p =mv
p1 = 2100*41km/hr
p2 = 2100*60km/hr
p1-p2 =-39900 kg*km/hr
Are those the right units? Or does it need to be in m/s?
Would the direction change be east? that's where I'm lost, or would it be the negative direction?
 
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so am I right, or really wrong?
 
KE is right since it's just a scalar. Momentum is a vector so you need to resolve it.
 
but how exactly would you do that unless you multiply the mass to the velocity?

I tried the average of the 2 velocities, but that's not right
 
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