The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a 1-kg block after it has dropped 0.54 m in a coupled system with a 3.5-kg block. The gravitational potential energy (GPE) change was calculated using the formula k = mgh, resulting in values of -18.522 J for the 3.5-kg block and 5.292 J for the 1-kg block. The participants clarified that the blocks cannot be treated independently due to their coupling, which affects their kinetic energy calculations. The correct approach involves considering the system's total potential energy change and how it translates into kinetic energy for both blocks.
PREREQUISITESStudents and educators in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as anyone interested in understanding energy transfer in coupled systems.
Bad wording on my part, since kinetic energy is defined as 1/2 mv^2, wouldn't the 3.5kg block receive more of the system's kinetic energy since it has more mass, and both are moving at the same velocity?vela said:Faster than what?
volcore said:Bad wording on my part, since kinetic energy is defined as 1/2 mv^2, wouldn't the 3.5kg block receive more of the system's kinetic energy since it has more mass, and both are moving at the same velocity?
So where do I go from there?PeroK said:Yes, exactly.
volcore said:So where do I go from there?
Would this be right:
(2.5kg)g(0.54m) = 1/2 m1v1^2 + 1/2m2v2^2
1.35g = 3.75v1^2 + 0.5v2^2?