Which has higher Kinetic Energy?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves comparing the kinetic energy of a ball thrown by a man in a moving car versus when the car is at rest. The discussion focuses on the frames of reference: the ground frame and the car frame, and how the velocities are perceived in each case.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the velocities of the ball and the car in different frames of reference, questioning how these affect the kinetic energy calculations. There is an attempt to clarify the relative velocities and their implications for kinetic energy in both scenarios.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen participants questioning their understanding of kinetic energy in different frames. Some guidance has been provided regarding the calculation of velocities, and there is acknowledgment of mistakes in reasoning. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is an emphasis on understanding the implications of relative motion in the context of kinetic energy.

utkarshakash
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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.
 
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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.:)
 

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