Where Does Heat Come From When Momentum is Conserved?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter HiPPiE
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Momentum
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between momentum conservation and heat generation during a collision, specifically when a 1kg mass is thrown at a 50kg person. The calculations demonstrate that while momentum is conserved, kinetic energy is lost, resulting in heat production. This heat originates from the vibration of the glove upon impact, which increases the internal energy of the glove's molecules, thereby raising its temperature. The conversation also touches on the muscular effort of the catcher contributing to heat generation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as momentum and kinetic energy.
  • Familiarity with thermodynamics, particularly internal energy (U).
  • Knowledge of energy transfer mechanisms, including heat transfer.
  • Basic mathematical skills for calculating momentum and kinetic energy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the principles of momentum conservation in elastic and inelastic collisions.
  • Study the laws of thermodynamics, focusing on internal energy and heat transfer.
  • Investigate the effects of friction and air resistance on energy dissipation during collisions.
  • Learn about molecular motion and how it relates to temperature changes in materials.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those interested in mechanics and thermodynamics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of energy conservation and heat generation in collisions.

HiPPiE
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
I suppose this sounds a little silly, but:

Momentum has to be conserved, but often at the cost of some kinetic energy. For example, if someone throws a 1kg mass at 50kg person at 10 m/s, he catches it:
mv=mv
(1)10=v(51)
v=10/51
KE1=.5(1)(10)^2=50j
KE2=.5(51)(10/51)^2=.98j

Heat is thus created, but my question is: where? I suppose in this situation it would be in the glove... but how exactly does that heat come about? Heat is, I guess, kinetic energy on a smaller scale (moving particles). How do these particles begin to move?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Think about friction, sound all other waves that have some energy
 
HiPPiE said:
Momentum has to be conserved, but often at the cost of some kinetic energy. For example, if someone throws a 1kg mass at 50kg person at 10 m/s, he catches it:
mv=mv
(1)10=v(51)
v=10/51
KE1=.5(1)(10)^2=50j
KE2=.5(51)(10/51)^2=.98j

Heat is thus created, but my question is: where? I suppose in this situation it would be in the glove... but how exactly does that heat come about? Heat is, I guess, kinetic energy on a smaller scale (moving particles). How do these particles begin to move?
There is not much friction here. The ball striking the glove causes it to vibrate. This vibration quickly degrades into a random vibration of the molecules in the glove, which raises their internal energy
(U in thermodynamics). This increase in U raises the temperature of the glove. Heat is the transfer of this internal energy from the glove to your hand, which gives you a warm feeling because the batter is out.
 
Meir Achuz said:
which gives you a warm feeling because the batter is out.
:smile:
I would propose further that some of the muscular effort used to maintain the glove in position when the ball hits it produces heat in the catcher and could be considered part of the system.
 
Friction - i meant air resistance, no distances were given
 
Ok, I see. Makes sense...

Oh and thanks :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K