Is the Loss of Kinetic Energy Related to the Volume of a Copper Atom?

In summary, the conversation is about a person seeking help with a physics homework problem. They are unsure if they have done part d) correctly and are asking for assistance. The other person confirms that their calculation in part c) is correct, but points out a mistake in their reading of the speed after impact. The person then asks about assumptions for part e) and mentions googling the volume of a copper atom. They also share their calculations and confirm that they are correct.
  • #1
Bolter
262
31
Homework Statement
Work out the overall loss in kinetic energy
Relevant Equations
P=mv
PE = mgh
KE = 1/2mv^2
Unsure on whether I have done part d) right for this question

Screenshot 2019-12-20 at 19.07.18.png


Here is what I have done already:

IMG_3523.JPG


IMG_3524.JPG


Any help would be great! Thanks
 
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  • #2
I didn't understand your calculation in part c. You had 0.532 m/s for A's speed after impact, but it became 0.153 somehow.
 
  • #3
Bolter said:
Homework Statement:: Work out the overall loss in kinetic energy
Homework Equations:: P=mv
PE = mgh
KE = 1/2mv^2

Unsure on whether I have done part d) right for this question

View attachment 254437

Here is what I have done already:

Any help would be great! Thanks

Looks okay to me.

What are your assumptions for part e)? Did you try googling for volume of copper atom?
 
  • #4
haruspex said:
I didn't understand your calculation in part c. You had 0.532 m/s for A's speed after impact, but it became 0.153 somehow.

Sorry you are correct. A's speed after impact should have read 0.532 m/s. I don't know why but I misinterpreted it as 0.153 for some apparent reason :headbang:

EDIT: my loss in KE still comes out to be the same as I remember punching in 0.532 m/s onto the calculator.
 
  • #5
PeroK said:
Looks okay to me.

What are your assumptions for part e)? Did you try googling for volume of copper atom?

I have done a quick google search, and the atomic volume of copper comes out to be '1.182 x 10^-29 m^3' so both values are of the same magnitude roughly. For assumptions, I'm not too certain.
 

FAQ: Is the Loss of Kinetic Energy Related to the Volume of a Copper Atom?

How does the volume of a copper atom affect its kinetic energy?

The volume of a copper atom does not directly affect its kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is determined by the mass and velocity of an object, not its volume. However, the volume of a copper atom can indirectly impact its kinetic energy by influencing its density and therefore its mass.

Is there a relationship between the size of a copper atom and its kinetic energy?

There is not a direct relationship between the size of a copper atom and its kinetic energy. The size of an atom is usually measured by its atomic radius, which is the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electron. This does not directly impact the mass or velocity of the atom, which determine its kinetic energy.

Can the loss of kinetic energy be attributed to the volume of a copper atom?

The loss of kinetic energy cannot be solely attributed to the volume of a copper atom. Other factors, such as collisions with other atoms or molecules, can also contribute to the loss of kinetic energy. Additionally, the volume of an atom does not directly impact its kinetic energy, as mentioned before.

How does the volume of a copper atom compare to other atoms?

The volume of a copper atom is relatively small compared to other atoms. Copper has an atomic radius of 128 pm, which falls in the middle range of atomic sizes. For comparison, helium has an atomic radius of only 31 pm, while cesium has an atomic radius of 298 pm.

Does the volume of a copper atom change with temperature?

The volume of a copper atom does not change with temperature. However, the spacing between atoms in a copper solid can change with temperature, which can indirectly impact the overall volume of the solid. This is known as thermal expansion and is due to the increase in atomic vibrations at higher temperatures.

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