Math Problem Statement
The sun constantly loses mass by blowing hydrogen ions (H+) in what is called the solar wind. If the particle's mass is 1.6726219 x 10^-27 kg and its velocity is 8.175 x 10^7 m/s, what is its kinetic energy, measured in joules, J? Express your answer with four significant figures in scientific notation.
Solution
To calculate the kinetic energy () of the hydrogen ion, we use the formula:
where:
- is the mass of the hydrogen ion ( kg),
- is the velocity of the hydrogen ion ( m/s).
Now, substituting the given values into the formula:
First, calculate the square of the velocity:
Then, multiply by the mass and divide by 2:
Simplifying further:
Finally, expressing the result with four significant figures and in scientific notation:
So, the kinetic energy of the hydrogen ion is approximately joules.
Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are five related questions that might interest you:
- How does the kinetic energy of particles in the solar wind compare to those in Earth's atmosphere?
- How does the velocity of a particle affect its kinetic energy?
- What role does kinetic energy play in the solar wind's interaction with planetary atmospheres?
- How is the mass loss of the Sun due to solar wind calculated?
- How does the speed of solar wind particles vary across different regions of the Sun?
Tip: Always remember that in physics, energy is often expressed in scientific notation to handle the extremely small or large quantities commonly encountered.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Kinetic Energy
Scientific Notation
Physics
Formulas
Kinetic Energy Formula: K.E. = 1/2 mv^2
Theorems
Conservation of Energy (implicit)
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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