# What fraction of the object's kinetic energy is lost during a single collision?

1. Mar 15, 2009

### 07accordEX

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

The coefficient of the restitution of an object is defined as the ratio of its outgoing to incoming speed when the object collides with a rigid surface. For an object with a coefficient of 0.59, what fraction of the object's kinetic energy is lost during a single collision?

2. Relevant equations

KE = 1/2mv^2
kinetic friction coefficient = Fkinetic/Fnormal

3. The attempt at a solution

I am so confused... I hate these problems where the information isnt given to solve for something,someone point me in the right direction please

2. Mar 15, 2009

### BAnders1

Coefficient of restitution:

$$\frac{v_{final}}{v_{initial}}=0.59$$

You are looking for

$$\frac{K_{final}}{K_{initial}}$$

The information you need is given.

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