Collision (kinetic Energy Loss)
Hardphysics
Two identical masses stick together after perfectly inelastic head-on collision. Initial speeds 6 m/s and -2 m/s. Fraction of initial total kinetic energy lost?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
80%
- Conservation of Momentum: mv1+mv2=(2m)vf.
- m(6)+m(−2)=2m(vf)⟹4m=2m(vf)⟹vf=2 m/s.
- Initial Kinetic Energy (Ki):
- Ki=21m(62)+21m(−22)=18m+2m=20m.
- Final Kinetic Energy (Kf):
- Kf=21(2m)(22)=4m.
- Loss Density:
- Energy Lost =Ki−Kf=20m−4m=16m.
- Fraction Lost: 20m16m=0.8.
- Percentage: 0.8×100%=80%.
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About This Question
- Subject
- physics
- Chapter
- work, energy and power
- Topic
- collision (kinetic energy loss)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
80%
- Conservation of Momentum: mv1+mv2=(2m)vf.
- m(6)+m(−2)=2m(vf)⟹4m=2m(vf)⟹vf=2 m/s.
- Initial Kinetic Energy (Ki):
- Ki=21m(62)+21m(−22)=18m+2m=20m.
- Final Kinetic Energy (Kf):
- Kf=21(2m)(22)=4m.
- Loss Density:
- Energy Lost =Ki−Kf=20m−4m=16m.
- Fraction Lost: 20m16m=0.8.
- Percentage: 0.8×100%=80%.
This hard difficulty physics question is from the chapter work, energy and power, covering the topic of collision (kinetic energy loss). It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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