Question

Two cars collide at an icy intersection and stick together afterward. The first car has a mass of 1400 kg and is approaching at 6.5 m/s due south. The second car has a mass of 550 kg and is approaching at 19.5 m/s due west What is the change in kinetic energy, in joules, for the collision

Answer 1

74,993.75Joules

Step-by-step explanation:

Kinetic energy is defined as the energy possessed by a body by virtue of its motion. It is expressed mathematically as:

Kinetic energy = 1/2MV²

where:

M is the mass of the body

V is the velocity of the body

For the first car:

Mass = 1400kg

Velocity = 6.5m/s

Kinetic energy of the car = 1/2×1400×6.5²

= 700×6.5²

KE1 = 29,575Joules

For the second car:

Mass = 550kg

Velocity = 19.5m/s

K.E2 = 1/2×550×19.5²

K.E2 = 275×19.5²

K.E2 = 104,568.75Joules

Change in kinetic energy

KE2-KE1

= 104,568.75 - 29,575

= 74,993.75Joules