Solving the Mystery of Racing Cans of Broth Down a Ramp

In summary, the conversation is about a person who is new to the forum and is seeking help with a physics experiment involving racing two cans of broth down a ramp. One can was frozen and the other was still liquid. The person initially used a mathematical equation to predict the outcome, but was surprised to find that the liquid can won in their backyard experiment. They are now looking for help in understanding the kinetic energy involved in the race. Additionally, they are curious about the definition of translational kinetic energy and a thread on the forum is recommended for further reading.
  • #1
puravida
1
0
hey everybody, I am new to the forum, and glad to be here. looks like a great place for help when all has failed! :cry:
if you race 2 cans of broth down a ramp, one frozen and one still liquid, which one wins?
well, i did this mathematically, using the equation for a solid ring: V=sqrt[(4/3)gh] which i got from Kinetic energy equations, and the size and mass are irrelevant b/c they cancel out.
the result with this equation says that the frozen can wins, so i was very surprised to find the liquid can whipped the frozen can's butt on a piece of plywood in my backyard.
i have been looking for a way to get a solution through the use of Kenetic energy of: can, translational, and the soup. any help would be very much appreciated, b/c i am stumped. :confused: thanks.
also, for curious reasons, how would you define translational kinetic energy?
 
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  • #3


Hi there,

Welcome to the forum! It's great to see someone interested in solving this mystery. From your initial calculations, it seems like the frozen can should win since it has a higher velocity due to its lower density. However, as you observed, the liquid can actually won the race.

There are a few factors that could have influenced this result. First, the frozen can may have had a rougher surface which could have caused more friction and slowed it down. Second, the liquid inside the can may have acted as a lubricant, reducing friction and allowing it to slide faster. Third, the liquid may have also had a higher initial velocity due to its lower density and therefore less force needed to accelerate it.

In terms of kinetic energy, translational kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion in a straight line. It is calculated using the equation KE=1/2mv^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. In this case, the kinetic energy of the can would be equal to the kinetic energy of the soup inside.

I hope this helps in your quest to solve the mystery of the racing cans of broth down a ramp. Keep experimenting and analyzing, and you may find the answer you're looking for. Good luck!
 

Related to Solving the Mystery of Racing Cans of Broth Down a Ramp

1. How does the weight of the broth affect its speed down the ramp?

The weight of the broth does not affect its speed down the ramp. According to the law of gravity, all objects fall at the same rate regardless of their weight. Therefore, the weight of the broth has no impact on its speed down the ramp.

2. What role does the angle of the ramp play in the speed of the racing cans of broth?

The angle of the ramp does affect the speed of the racing cans of broth. The steeper the angle of the ramp, the faster the cans of broth will travel down it. This is because the steeper angle increases the force of gravity acting on the cans, causing them to accelerate at a faster rate.

3. Are there any external factors that could impact the speed of the racing cans of broth down the ramp?

Yes, there are external factors that could impact the speed of the racing cans of broth down the ramp. These factors include air resistance, surface friction, and the shape and size of the cans. It is important to control these variables in order to accurately measure the speed of the cans.

4. Is there a specific type of broth that works best for this experiment?

No, any type of broth can be used for this experiment. As long as the cans are the same size and shape, the type of broth should not affect the results. However, it is important to use the same type of broth for each trial in order to maintain consistency.

5. How can this experiment be applied to real-world situations?

This experiment can be applied to real-world situations in various ways. It can help us understand the effects of gravity and friction on objects in motion. It can also be used to test the impact of different variables, such as weight and angle, on the speed of an object. Additionally, it can be used to study the principles of physics and mechanics, and to improve the design and efficiency of objects such as vehicles and machines.

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