The paradox of lost energy details below?

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    Energy Lost Paradox
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the paradox of lost kinetic energy during collisions between two bodies A and B, which possess equal mass and speed but travel in opposite directions. Upon colliding, both bodies come to a stop, resulting in zero kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, specifically through physical deformation, heat, and sound. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between general energy conservation, which encompasses all energy forms, and specific scenarios where mechanical energy conservation applies, such as perfectly elastic collisions.

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  • Understanding of kinetic energy formula (1/2*mv^2)
  • Basic principles of physics regarding collisions
  • Knowledge of energy transformation processes
  • Familiarity with conservation laws in physics
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chanvick
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Imagine two bodies A & B. they have same mass and same speed, but they are traveling in different direction. the kinetic energies of both the bodies is equal (1/2*mv^2), because they have same speed and mass. now they collide each other. As they have same mass and speed they both stop. now the kinetic energy of both the bodies is zero. but where is the kinetic energy gone...in other words what is it transformed into. but what about law of conservation of energy??
 
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Some is absorbed due to the physical deformation and some is released as heat and sound.
 
chanvick said:
but what about law of conservation of energy??
Don't confuse general energy conservation--which includes all forms of energy--with special cases where mechanical energy may be conserved. Total energy is always conserved, but only in special cases will kinetic energy be conserved in a collision, making it a perfectly elastic collision.
 

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