A 0.77 kg spike is hammered into a railroad

tie. The initial speed of the spike is equal to

3.5 m/s.

If the tie and spike together absorb 88.3

percent of the spike’s initial kinetic energy

as internal energy, calculate the increase in

internal energy of the tie and spike.

Answer in units of J.

4.168  J

Explanation:

Applying the formula of kinetic energy,

Ek = 1/2mv² Equation 1

Where Ek = Kinetic energy of the spike, m = mass of the spike, v = initial velocity of the spike

Given: m = 0.77 kg, v = 3.5 m/s.

Substitute into equation 1

Ek = 1/2(0.77)(3.5²)

Ek = 4.72 J.

From the question, if the tie and the spike together absorb, 88.3 percent of the spike's initial kinetic energy.

Ek' = 88.3/100(4.72)

Ek' = 4.168  J

hypothesising or postulating