Kinetic Energy of a jogger problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating and comparing the kinetic energy of four joggers with different masses and speeds. The subject area is kinetic energy in physics, specifically applying the formula KE=1/2mv^2 to determine the kinetic energy of each jogger based on their given parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the kinetic energy formula to each jogger, questioning the calculations for joggers C and D. There is an exploration of the ranking of joggers based on their kinetic energy values and attempts to reconcile discrepancies with the provided answer.

Discussion Status

Multiple recalculations have been made, and participants are actively checking each other's math. Some have suggested that there may be a typo in the provided answer, leading to further questioning of the original problem setup. The discussion remains open as participants seek clarity on the correct ranking and the interpretation of the given answer.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the provided answer and its format, with participants expressing uncertainty about the values assigned to jogger C. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to verify calculations and understand the problem better.

destinc
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Jogger A has a mass m and a speed v, jogger B has a mass m/2 and a speed 3v, jogger C has a mass 3m and a speed v/2 and jogger D has a mass 4m and a speed v/2. Rank the joggers in order of increasing kinetic energy. Indicate ties where appropriate

I started with KE formula, KE=1/2mv^2 and plugged in values for each jogger
Jogger A KE=1/2mv^2
Jogger B KE=1/2(m/2)(3v)^2 which = 2.25mv^2
Jogger C KE=1/2(3m)(v/2)^2 which =6mv^2
Jogger D KE=1/2(4m)(v/2)^2 which =8mv^2

Based on this I ranked them in increasing order A,B,C,D
The answer given is, D<A = D<B
I'm not sure I understand the answer, and I don't see where I went wrong.
Thank you for any help.
 
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destinc said:
Jogger A has a mass m and a speed v, jogger B has a mass m/2 and a speed 3v, jogger C has a mass 3m and a speed v/2 and jogger D has a mass 4m and a speed v/2. Rank the joggers in order of increasing kinetic energy. Indicate ties where appropriate

I started with KE formula, KE=1/2mv^2 and plugged in values for each jogger
Jogger A KE=1/2mv^2
Jogger B KE=1/2(m/2)(3v)^2 which = 2.25mv^2
Jogger C KE=1/2(3m)(v/2)^2 which =6mv^2
Jogger D KE=1/2(4m)(v/2)^2 which =8mv^2

Based on this I ranked them in increasing order A,B,C,D
The answer given is, D<A = D<B
I'm not sure I understand the answer, and I don't see where I went wrong.
Thank you for any help.


Check your math for joggers C and D.
 
destinc said:
I started with KE formula, KE=1/2mv^2 and plugged in values for each jogger
Jogger A KE=1/2mv^2
Jogger B KE=1/2(m/2)(3v)^2 which = 2.25mv^2
Good.
Jogger C KE=1/2(3m)(v/2)^2 which =6mv^2
Jogger D KE=1/2(4m)(v/2)^2 which =8mv^2
Redo these.
 
Jogger C KE=1/2(3m(v/2)^2 = 3/2m(v^2)/4 = 3/8mv^2
Jogger D KE= 1/2(4m)(v/2)^2 = 1/2mv^2
Which means D=A and both > C > B
Which still isn't the given answer
 
destinc said:
Jogger C KE=1/2(3m(v/2)^2 = 3/2m(v^2)/4 = 3/8mv^2
Jogger D KE= 1/2(4m)(v/2)^2 = 1/2mv^2
Which means D=A and both > C > B
Which still isn't the given answer

List all four results now that you've recalculated.
 
destinc said:
Jogger C KE=1/2(3m(v/2)^2 = 3/2m(v^2)/4 = 3/8mv^2
Jogger D KE= 1/2(4m)(v/2)^2 = 1/2mv^2
Right.
Which means D=A
OK.
and both > C > B
Rethink that.
 
Jogger A KE= 1/2mv^2
Jogger B KE= 2.25mv^2
Jogger C KE= 3/8mv^2
Jogger D KE=1/2mv^2

Oh C< D=A < B Still not the answer
Thanks again for all this help
 
destinc said:
The answer given is, D<A = D<B
Obviously a typo here. Better check it. (that first D should be a C)
 
I really don't understand the format of the given answer, could one of you translate, why don't they give value of C in the answer?
 
  • #10
ahhhhh, Typo is in book. Thanks for the help
 

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