If a 0.0500 kg projectile is launched with a velocity of 2.7 m/s, what is the kinetic energy of the projectile?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to calculate the kinetic energy of a projectile given its mass and velocity. The formula for kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 0.5 * m * v^2, where m is the mass and v is the velocity. We will substitute the given values into this equation to find the solution.
Answer
$100 \, \text{J}$
Answer for screen readers
The kinetic energy of the projectile is $100 , \text{J}$.
Steps to Solve
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Identify the given values First, identify the mass ($m$) and velocity ($v$) of the projectile. For this example, let's say the mass is 2 kg and the velocity is 10 m/s.
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Substitute the values into the kinetic energy formula Use the kinetic energy formula $KE = 0.5 \times m \times v^2$. Substitute the identified values into the formula:
$$ KE = 0.5 \times 2 , \text{kg} \times (10 , \text{m/s})^2 $$
- Calculate the square of the velocity Calculate $v^2$, which is $(10 , \text{m/s})^2$:
$$ (10 , \text{m/s})^2 = 100 , \text{m}^2/\text{s}^2 $$
- Complete the kinetic energy calculation Insert the calculated value of $v^2$ into the kinetic energy formula:
$$ KE = 0.5 \times 2 , \text{kg} \times 100 , \text{m}^2/\text{s}^2 $$
- Multiply to find the kinetic energy Finally, perform the multiplication:
$$ KE = 0.5 \times 200 , \text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{s}^2 = 100 , \text{J} $$
The kinetic energy of the projectile is $100 , \text{J}$.
More Information
Kinetic energy is a form of energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity, meaning that even a small increase in velocity results in a significant increase in kinetic energy.
Tips
- Forgetting to square the velocity: Make sure to always square the velocity before multiplying.
- Confusing units: Ensure that mass is in kilograms (kg) and velocity is in meters per second (m/s) to calculate kinetic energy in joules (J).
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