Principles of conservation of energey

[djstar]

Homework Statement

A train of mass 50 onnes traveling at 6o m/s collides head on into a stationary train which has a mass of 30 tonnes. If the two vehicles lock together after impact, calculate using the principles of conservation of momentum, what will be

a) their velocity after impact?
b) the loss of kenitec energy

i have had a attempt at A but i do no no where to start with B or what formula to use. this is my attempt at A)

Homework Equations

M1V1+M2V2=MfVf
M1= 50000kg
M2= 30000kg
V1 = 60m/s
V2 = 0 m/s

The Attempt at a Solution

MfVf = (50000*60)+(30000*0) = 3000000
3000000/ (50000+30000) = 37.5m/s

Could some one please help with Part b and help me with what formula to use

 

[HallsofIvy]

Although you titled this "conservation of energy" I assume you realize that there is NO conservation of energy here. There is, however, conservation of momentum and that is what you used, correctly, to find the speed after the collision.

The kinetic energy before the collision is (1/2)mv^2= (1/2)(50)(60)^2. The kinetic energy after the collision is (1/2)(50+ 30)(37.5)^2= (1/2)(80)(37.5)^2. Subtract the energy after the collision from the kinetic energy after the collision to find the loss of kinetic energy.

 

[djstar]

hi hallsofivy thank you for the very prompt reply.

sorry about the title, that was a typo.

ive manged to work out before the collision as 90 MJ and after as 56.2 5MJ so the answer is 33.75 MJ?