Which ball has more energy halfway through the track?

In summary, based on the information provided, it is likely that ball B has more kinetic energy halfway through the track due to its greater velocity at the end. However, it is unclear if ball B also has more potential energy at this point. The overall change in total mechanical energy is dependent on factors such as external forces and friction, which are not mentioned in the conversation.
  • #1
Irfan Nafi
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2 frictionless tracks have equal length bumps with one going up and the other down. Halfway through the track which one has more energy?

Assuming that they started at the same height, I thought that they had the same amount of energy, but since Ball B ends up having a greater velocity at the end of the track wouldn't that mean that it would have a greater amount of kinetic energy. Thank you in advance.
 
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  • #2
Irfan Nafi said:
View attachment 211212

2 frictionless tracks have equal length bumps with one going up and the other down. Halfway through the track which one has more energy?

Assuming that they started at the same height, I thought that they had the same amount of energy, but since Ball B ends up having a greater velocity at the end of the track wouldn't that mean that it would have a greater amount of kinetic energy. Thank you in advance.

You are right about Kinetic Energy part .But does the question ask about greater KE or greater total mechanical energy ?
 
  • #3
The overall energy, so it's the greater mechanical energy.
 
  • #4
Irfan Nafi said:
The overall energy, so it's the greater mechanical energy.

What is total mechanical energy composed of ?
 
  • #5
Potential and kinetic energy.
 
  • #6
Potential and kinetic energy.
 
  • #7
Irfan Nafi said:
Potential and kinetic energy.

KE is greater for ball B but is potential energy also greater for ball B ?

Why do you think total mechanical energy is greater for ball B ?
 
  • #8
Since it has a greater velocity at the end of the track
 
  • #9
Irfan Nafi said:
Since it has a greater velocity at the end of the track

I don't understand you . Half way through the track ball B has more KE , but does it have more PE as well ? Only then you can safely conclude that total mechanical energy is greater for B .

Total mechanical energy is changed only when either some external agent is doing work or due to the presence of some frictional/dissipative forces . Gravity is not considered an external agent . It's effect is included in the PE term .

The balls are moving on their own , so it doesn't look as if some external agent is there . Is there any friction on the track ?

What would cause the change in total mechanical energy ?
 
  • #10
Irfan Nafi said:
it has a greater velocity at the end of the track
What is your basis for saying that?
 

What is energy?

Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It exists in many different forms, such as kinetic energy, thermal energy, and potential energy.

What is the relationship between energy and motion?

Energy and motion are closely related. When an object is in motion, it has kinetic energy. The amount of kinetic energy an object has depends on its mass and velocity. This means that the faster an object is moving, the more energy it has.

How is energy measured?

Energy is measured in joules (J) in the metric system. In the English system, it is measured in foot-pounds (ft-lb).

How does the height of the track affect the energy of the ball?

The height of the track does not directly affect the energy of the ball. However, the height can affect the potential energy of the ball, which can then be converted into kinetic energy as the ball moves down the track.

Which ball has more energy halfway through the track?

Assuming the balls have the same mass and are released from the same height, they will have the same amount of energy halfway through the track. This is because energy is conserved, meaning it cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted into different forms.

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