Which has higher Kinetic Energy?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison of kinetic energy (KE) of a ball thrown by a man in a moving car versus a stationary car. When the car is moving, the ball's kinetic energy is calculated as the sum of the car's velocity and the ball's velocity, resulting in higher KE. Conversely, when the car is stationary, the ball's kinetic energy is solely based on its own velocity, leading to lower KE. The correct conclusion is that the ball possesses more kinetic energy when thrown from the moving car, as confirmed by the calculations presented in the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations
  • Knowledge of reference frames in physics
  • Basic algebra for velocity calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of reference frames in physics
  • Learn about the work-energy theorem
  • Explore examples of kinetic energy in different frames of reference
  • Review the principles of relative velocity
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of kinetic energy and motion in different reference frames.

utkarshakash
Gold Member
Messages
852
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement


A man in an open car moving with high speed. throws a ball with his full capacity along the direction of motion of the car. Now, the same man throws the same ball when the car is not moving. In which case the ball possesses more kinetic energy:
a)in ground frame
b)in car frame

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


As seen from the ground frame and when the car is moving the ball's inital velocity is (vel of car+vel of ball). But when the car is at rest the ball's init velocity is only the ball's velocity. So in the first case KE must be higher but I think my solution is wrong as this is not the correct answer.
As seen from the car frame and when the car is moving the ball's relative velocity = Ball's Velocity-Car's Velocity.But when the car is at rest, the ball's relative velocity is equal to its own velocity. So in the second case KE must be higher but this too is wrong. I can't understand where I'm going wrong. Please help me to point out my mistakes and also tell the correct answer.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
So the man throws the ball while riding in the car so the balls velocity relative to the car is the balls velocity. No need to subtract the cars velocity from it.
 
But what about the first case when seen from ground?
 
Thanks. I knew where I did wrong. Actually the ball's velocity as seen from the ground frame when the car is moving = ball's velocity+car's velocity whereas when the car is at rest, the ball's velocity is equal to its own velocity. So in the second case KE must be higher and this is the correct answer. thanks again for the help.:)
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K