Thermal energy produced in a collision. Two cars, having masses m and 3m, move t

Question

Thermal energy produced in a collision. Two cars, having masses m and 3m, move toward each other along the horizontal floor. Before they collide, each car has the same speed v relative to the floor. After their collision, the cars stick together. Air resistance and friction forces by the floor are negligible. By what amount does the thermal energy of the system (consisting of the carts and the floor) increase as a result of the collision between the cars? Express your answer in terms of m, and v.

Explanation / Answer

Body of mass m moves with velocity v.Its energy = 0.5mv^2 Body of mass 3m moves with velocity v.Its energy = 1.5mv^2 Conservation of momentum (m + 3m) * v1 = (3mv) - (mv) Hence v1 = 0.5v Energy of the system after collision = 0.5*4m*(0.5v*0.5v) = 0.5mv^2 Hence Thermal energy produced in a collision = (0.5 + 1.5 - 0.5)mv^2 = 1.5mv^2

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.