Colliding Freight Cars: Kinetic Energy Transformed

In summary, two 5000-kg freight cars, one moving at 1 m/s and the other at 2 m/s, collide and couple together on a level track. Before the collision, one car has 2500 J of kinetic energy and the other has 10,000 J. To determine the amount of kinetic energy turned into heat during the collision, one can conserve momentum and calculate the kinetic energy after the collision to compare with the initial kinetic energy. The possible options for the amount of kinetic energy turned into heat are 2500 J, 10,000 J, 1250 J, 7500 J, and 11,250 J.
  • #1
CanadianEh
33
0
I am totally lost with this one... please explain if you know how to do it.


Two 5000-kg freight cars roll toward one another (one at 1 m/s and the other at 2 m/s) on a level track. Thus before they collide one car's kinetic energy is 2500 J and the other's is 10,000 J. They collide and couple together. The amount of kinetic energy turned into heat (mostly warming the couplers) in the collision is...

a. 2500 J.
b. 10,000 J.
c. 1250 J.
d. 7500 J.
e. 11,250 J.
 
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  • #2
Try conserving momentum to figure out what the motion is after the collision. Then try to calculate the kinetic energy after collision and compare to the kinetic energy before the collision.
 

FAQ: Colliding Freight Cars: Kinetic Energy Transformed

What is kinetic energy and how is it related to colliding freight cars?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. In the context of colliding freight cars, kinetic energy is transformed as the cars are in motion and collide with each other, resulting in a transfer of energy from one car to the other.

How is the amount of kinetic energy transformed in a collision calculated?

The amount of kinetic energy transformed in a collision can be calculated using the formula KE = 1/2mv^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. This formula shows that the kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass and the square of the velocity of the object.

Can the kinetic energy be completely transformed in a collision?

No, the law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. Therefore, in a collision between two freight cars, the total amount of kinetic energy before and after the collision will remain the same.

What factors can affect the amount of kinetic energy transformed in a collision between freight cars?

The amount of kinetic energy transformed in a collision can be affected by several factors, including the mass and velocity of the freight cars, the angle at which they collide, and any external forces acting on the cars.

How is the concept of kinetic energy transformed in colliding freight cars relevant in real-world scenarios?

The understanding of kinetic energy transformed in colliding freight cars is relevant in real-world scenarios such as train accidents or collisions between large vehicles. It can also be applied in industries such as transportation and logistics to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods.

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