Calculating the loss in mechanical energy due to a collision

In summary, the loss in mechanical energy due to a collision can be calculated using the law of conservation of energy, where the initial mechanical energy is equal to the final mechanical energy. This loss is affected by factors such as mass, velocity, elasticity, angle and direction of impact. The type of collision (elastic or inelastic) also plays a crucial role, with elastic collisions resulting in a lower loss of mechanical energy. This loss can be calculated using the formula ΔE = E<sub>initial</sub> - E<sub>final</sub>. The amount of mechanical energy lost can impact the outcome of the collision, causing damage to the objects and affecting their final velocities and future movements.
  • #1
NRasmus1
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Ballistic Pendulum system. Bullet weighs .00500kg and the wooden block it hits weighs 1.00kg. The increase in height is .05m. Using conservation of momentum and conservation of energy I have calculated the bullets speed at 199m/s. How can I calculate the loss in mechanical energy as a result of the collision?

The answer is 98.5 Joules. I have no idea where to start.
 
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  • #2
What is the energy before the collision? and after the collision?
 

Related to Calculating the loss in mechanical energy due to a collision

1. How do you calculate the loss in mechanical energy due to a collision?

The loss in mechanical energy due to a collision can be calculated using the law of conservation of energy. This law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. Therefore, the initial mechanical energy of the system before the collision is equal to the final mechanical energy after the collision.

2. What factors affect the loss in mechanical energy during a collision?

The loss in mechanical energy during a collision is affected by various factors such as the mass, velocity, and elasticity of the objects involved in the collision. The angle and direction of impact also play a role in determining the amount of energy lost.

3. How does the type of collision affect the loss in mechanical energy?

The type of collision, whether it is elastic or inelastic, can greatly impact the amount of mechanical energy lost. In an elastic collision, the objects bounce off each other without any loss of kinetic energy, resulting in a lower loss of mechanical energy. In an inelastic collision, the objects stick together and some kinetic energy is lost, leading to a greater loss of mechanical energy.

4. Can the loss in mechanical energy during a collision be calculated using a formula?

Yes, the loss in mechanical energy during a collision can be calculated using the formula ΔE = Einitial - Efinal, where ΔE is the change in mechanical energy, Einitial is the initial mechanical energy, and Efinal is the final mechanical energy.

5. How does the loss in mechanical energy affect the outcome of a collision?

The loss in mechanical energy during a collision can affect the outcome in various ways. A greater loss of mechanical energy can result in more damage to the objects involved in the collision. It can also determine the final velocities of the objects after the collision, which can impact their future movements and interactions.

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