What is meant by KE being lost to the system in an inelastic collision?
The point is where you draw the "system" boundries. Normally, one does not include the universe (where heat radiates to) in system diagrams. But you could. Wondering if you have taken physics yet. ...
We consider models of systems to help us analyze what is happening. Normally, we only include in the system those elements which have a bearing on mechanics. When energy is not conserved, we ignore where it actually goes...which is outside the system we envisioned for simplicity.
Energy is NEVER lost in the universe.
I am in an intro physics course, online as a pre-req no on site classes were available and my professor chose a crap book with little explaination and then just assigns us to read the book then answer question...so I must turn to the internet for help because he sometimes takes 2-3 days to respond to the class help discussion board.
It is unfortunate, I've never had an online class this poor in response time from the professor.
In an inelastic collision, kinetic energy (KE) is said to be lost to the system. This means that the total amount of kinetic energy before the collision is higher than the total amount of kinetic energy after the collision.
To understand this concept, let's break it down step by step:
1. In an inelastic collision, two or more objects collide and stick together, or they deform upon collision.
2. Before the collision, each object has some amount of kinetic energy due to its motion. The total amount of kinetic energy is the sum of the kinetic energies of each object.
3. During the collision, some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat, sound, or potential energy.
4. After the collision, the objects may have less kinetic energy than before. If the objects stick together, they move with a common velocity, and if they deform, their kinetic energies may decrease as they lose their original momentum.
The term "lost to the system" indicates that the total kinetic energy decreases within the system during the collision process. It is not lost from the universe but rather transformed into other forms of energy within the system.
To calculate the amount of kinetic energy lost in an inelastic collision, you would typically need information about the masses and velocities of the objects involved, as well as the type of collision and any other relevant factors. By applying principles of conservation of momentum and energy, you can determine the amount of kinetic energy lost during the collision.