Ek=kinetic energy (J)
m=mass of object (Kg)
v=speed of object (m/s)
We have the following formula:
Ek=(1/2)mv² ⇒ m=2(Ek)/v²
In this case:
m= mass of the child + mass of the bike
m=30 kg + m₁ (m₁=mass of the bike).
We would have to modify our formula like this:
m=2(Ek)/v²
m=30 kg + m₁
30 kg +m₁=2(Ek)/v²
m₁=2(Ek)/v²-30 kg
We have the following data:
v=0.6 m/s
Ek=12.4J
m=30 Kg + m₁
Therefore:
m₁=2(Ek)/v² - 30 kg
m₁=2(12.4 J)/(0.6 m/s)² - 30 kg
m₁=24.8 J/(0.36 m²/s²) -30 kg
m₁=68.89 Kg - 30 kg
m₁=38.89 Kg
Answer: the mass of the bike is 38.89 Kg.
