Why is the kinetic energy formula for this problem using the radius?

Thread starter pyroknife
Start date Mar 16, 2012
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Conservation Conservation of energy Energy

In summary, conservation of energy is a fundamental principle in physics that states energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transferred or converted from one form to another. It is important because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of physical systems and allows us to make more efficient use of energy and resources. In everyday life, it applies to activities such as turning on a lightbulb or driving a car, where energy is being converted from one form to another. Examples of energy conservation include turning off lights when leaving a room, using public transportation or carpooling, and using energy-efficient appliances. While energy cannot be completely conserved, it can be conserved within a closed system according to the law of conservation of energy.

Mar 16, 2012

pyroknife

I attached the problem.

The solution is of the form:
.5*(5/32.2)v^2+.5(10/32.2)(12/18*v)^2 + 5*18/12*sin(60)-10*12/12*sin60=0

I don't understand why they put the radius in the kinetic energies like the 12/18 part. I know you have to do that, but I don't understand why.

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Mar 16, 2012

emailanmol

Hey Pyroknife,

Please submit your approach to the solution first.

FAQ: Why is the kinetic energy formula for this problem using the radius?

What is conservation of energy?

Conservation of energy is a fundamental principle in physics that states energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transferred or converted from one form to another.

Why is conservation of energy important?

Conservation of energy is important because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of physical systems. It also allows us to make more efficient use of energy and resources.

How does conservation of energy apply to everyday life?

Conservation of energy applies to everyday life in many ways, such as when we turn on a lightbulb or drive a car. In both cases, energy is being converted from one form to another.

What are some examples of energy conservation?

Examples of energy conservation include turning off lights when leaving a room, using public transportation or carpooling to reduce fuel consumption, and using energy-efficient appliances.

Can energy be completely conserved?

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another. Therefore, energy cannot be completely conserved, but it can be conserved within a closed system.