Physics

To calculate the percentage loss of kinetic energy in the inelastic collision, we first need to determine the initial and final kinetic energies.

 

Calculate the initial kinetic energy

The formula for kinetic energy is:

 

For the 2 kg object moving at 10 m/s:

 

For the stationary 3 kg object:

 

Thus, the total initial kinetic energy is:

 

Calculate the final velocity after the collision

Since the objects stick together, we apply the principle of conservation of momentum:

 

Given:

(since the second object is stationary)

 

Substitute the values into the momentum equation:

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