Velocity of shopping cart with given energy/work input

In summary, Steve does 50 J of work to push a 3.0 kg shopping cart out of his way. The cart has a velocity of 5.8 m/s after the push, assuming no friction. This can be calculated using the formula E=mv^2/2, where E is the energy, m is the mass of the cart, and v is the velocity. The kinetic energy of the cart after the push is 50 J, and using this and the mass of the cart, we can solve for v to find that the cart's speed is 5.8 m/s. Hope that helps!
  • #1
rhxoehwhfh
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Steve does 50 J of work to push a 3.0 kg shopping cart out of his way. If the cart started from rest, what was its speed immediately after this push? (Assume there was no friction.)

Does anyone know how to calculate velocity with just given energy?... is it calculating the kinetic energy?
 
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  • #2
rhxoehwhfh said:
Steve does 50 J of work to push a 3.0 kg shopping cart out of his way. If the cart started from rest, what was its speed immediately after this push? (Assume there was no friction.)

Does anyone know how to calculate velocity with just given energy?... is it calculating the kinetic energy?

What is the kinetic energy of the cart after it's been pushed? How do you find velocity from that?
 
  • #3
since e= mv squared / 2

50 = 3* v(squared) /2

100/3 = v ( squared )

33.33 root = v

5.8 m/s = velocity?...

it this right?
 
  • #4
That looks good!
 
  • #5
thank you sir,, have great night
 

FAQ: Velocity of shopping cart with given energy/work input

What is the relationship between energy/work input and velocity of a shopping cart?

The velocity of a shopping cart is directly proportional to the energy or work input. This means that the more energy or work put into pushing the cart, the higher its velocity will be. Similarly, a decrease in energy or work input will result in a decrease in velocity.

How does the mass of the shopping cart affect its velocity with a given energy/work input?

The mass of the shopping cart does not directly affect its velocity with a given energy/work input. However, a heavier shopping cart may require more energy or work to achieve the same velocity as a lighter shopping cart due to the principle of inertia.

Is the velocity of a shopping cart affected by the surface it is rolling on?

Yes, the surface that a shopping cart is rolling on can affect its velocity. For example, a smooth and flat surface will allow the cart to roll more easily and achieve a higher velocity compared to a rough or uneven surface that may slow down the cart.

How does friction play a role in the velocity of a shopping cart with a given energy/work input?

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object. In the case of a shopping cart, friction between the wheels and the ground can reduce the velocity of the cart, requiring more energy or work to maintain the same velocity. Therefore, increasing friction can decrease the velocity of the shopping cart.

Can the velocity of a shopping cart be increased without increasing the energy/work input?

No, according to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted. This means that the velocity of a shopping cart cannot be increased without an increase in energy or work input.

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