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can energy be destroyed?

ninus maximus
in Classical Physics

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a 80 kg mass traveling at a velocity of 18 m/s

 

collides with

 

a 80kg mass traveling at a velocity of 18 m/s

 

KE=.5 (m1v)^2=12960 j

 

KE=.5(m2v)^2= 12960 j

 

non elastic collision and boom

 

energy destroyed.

 

the two masses merge but they dont have velocity so no kinetic energy.

the energy isn't destroyed, it is converted into non-kinetic forms of energy.

 

most likely heat, but could take other forms such as sound, light, or even chemical energy.

 

your conclusion that energy is destroyed comes from a dodgy analysis of the situation rather than any flaw of physics.

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