What is the energy lost when a body falls onto a moving cart without friction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the energy lost when a mass m falls onto a moving cart of mass M without friction. The initial kinetic energy is given by the sum of gravitational potential energy (mgh) and kinetic energy (0.5MV²). Upon impact, the velocity of the falling mass is determined by the equation √(2gh). The final energy is calculated using the combined mass (m+M) and their velocities (Ux and Uy). The correct formula for energy lost is Q = mgh + 0.5MV² - 0.5(m+M)(Uy² + Ux²), where the y-momentum is not conserved due to the external force from the ground.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as momentum and energy conservation
  • Familiarity with gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy equations
  • Knowledge of vector components in motion (Ux and Uy)
  • Ability to solve equations involving quadratic roots and algebraic manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of momentum conservation in inelastic collisions
  • Learn about energy transformations in mechanical systems
  • Explore the effects of external forces on momentum and energy calculations
  • Investigate the implications of frictionless surfaces in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding energy loss during collisions in mechanical systems.

devanlevin
a cart with a mass of M is moving at velocity V, a body with a mass of m falls onto the cart from a height of H and sticks to it, how much energy was lost (to heat), there is no friction.

i said that, since the mass freefalls, its velocity at the moment of impact is\sqrt{2gh}

the momentum doesn't change so
MV+0=(m+M)Ux
0+m\sqrt{2gh}=(m+M)Uy

is this correct? will the cart have velocity on y axis??
if there is no friction how is Ux<V

then find the total energy at the start, which is mgh+0.5MV^{2}, and subtract it from the energy at the end 0.5(m+M)[Uy^{2}+Ux^{2}]

is this correct

the answer in my book is

Q=mgh+V^2\frac{Mm}{2(m+M}
 
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devanlevin said:
a cart with a mass of M is moving at velocity V, a body with a mass of m falls onto the cart from a height of H and sticks to it, how much energy was lost (to heat), there is no friction.

i said that, since the mass freefalls, its velocity at the moment of impact is\sqrt{2gh}

the momentum doesn't change so
MV+0=(m+M)Ux
0+m\sqrt{2gh}=(m+M)Uy

This last equation is not correct. These equations represent the momentum of the masses m and M, but there is an external force in the y direction (from the ground). So the y-momentum is not conserved because the ground prevents the cart from moving in the y-direction.


is this correct? will the cart have velocity on y axis??
if there is no friction how is Ux<V

then find the total energy at the start, which is mgh+0.5MV^{2}, and subtract it from the energy at the end 0.5(m+M)[Uy^{2}+Ux^{2}]

It's the other way around; energy lost is Ei-Ef
 

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