Answer :
Final answer:
The change in kinetic energy after an inelastic collision can be found by calculating the kinetic energy before and after the event and then taking their difference. In the example provided, we can determine this by applying the conservation of momentum and using the kinetic energy formula.
Explanation:
The student asks about the change in kinetic energy after an inelastic collision between a canvas with paint and an additional mass. The collision involved is similar to a physics exercise where two carts undergo an inelastic collision as depicted in a physics textbook. We need to apply the conservation of momentum and calculate the change in kinetic energy.
To find the change in kinetic energy after the collision, we can follow these steps:
- Calculate the initial kinetic energy of the system before the collision. Both the canvas and the easel are initially at rest, so their initial kinetic energy is 0 J.
- After the collision, the combined mass of the system (canvas, easel, and paint) is 4.5 kg + 1.3 kg = 5.8 kg. The combined system moves with a velocity of 0.83 m/s.
- Use the kinetic energy formula, KE = 0.5 * m * v2, where m is the mass and v is the velocity, to calculate the final kinetic energy.
- Subtract the initial kinetic energy from the final kinetic energy to find the change in kinetic energy.
The calculation would look like this:
- Initial KE = 0 J (since both the canvas and the easel are initially at rest)
- Final KE = 0.5 * 5.8 kg * (0.83 m/s)2
- Change in KE = Final KE - Initial KE
The student provided the answer as -6.9 J, indicating that the system lost 6.9 joules of energy in the collision. However, without the full calculation here, if the student wants to verify the result, these steps should be followed to ensure the answer provided is correct.
