How to Calculate Kinetic Energy in a Car Crash

Calculating Kinetic Energy in a Car Crash

The total kinetic energy dissipated in a crash can be determined using the equation:

KE = 1/2 m1v1^2 + 1/2 m2v2^2

This formula calculates the final kinetic energy (KE) by adding together the kinetic energies of two objects in motion. In this scenario, where two cars with mass 111 kg are involved in a crash with velocities of 9.00 m/s and 5.00 m/s, the calculation is as follows:

KE = 1/2 (111)(9.00)^2 + 1/2 (111)(5.00)^2

KE = 4495.5 + 1387.5

KE = 5883 Joules

Therefore, in the crash scene for the action film, 5883 Joules of kinetic energy is dissipated.
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