What is the total kinetic energy if a 0.30 kg block is sliding on a smooth horizontal surface at 2.5 m/s, heading towards a light spring that is in equilibrium?
To find the total kinetic energy of the 0.30 kg block, we can use the formula for kinetic energy:
Kinetic Energy (KE) = 1/2 * mass * velocity^2
Given:
Mass (m) = 0.30 kg
Velocity (v) = 2.5 m/s
Now we can substitute these values into the formula:
KE = 1/2 * 0.30 kg * (2.5 m/s)^2
To simplify the calculation, let's solve it step by step:
1. Square the velocity:
(2.5 m/s)^2 = 6.25 m^2/s^2
2. Multiply the squared velocity by the mass:
0.30 kg * 6.25 m^2/s^2 = 1.875 kg*m^2/s^2 or 1.875 Joules (J)
Therefore, the total kinetic energy of the 0.30 kg block sliding at 2.5 m/s is 1.875 Joules.