Question

Two bumper cars are headed towards each other at 10 mph. Bumper car A

weighs 350 lbs and bumper car B weighs 200 lbs. Which bumper car is
going to have more energy and bump the other car backwards? *

Answer 1

Bumper car A is going to have more energy and will bump bumper car B backward.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two objects collide, the energy involved in the collision can be calculated using the formula for kinetic energy:

`\[ KE = (1)/(2) * m * v^2 \]`

where
`\( KE \)` is kinetic energy,
`\( m \)` is mass, and
`\( v \)` is velocity. In this scenario, both bumper cars have the same velocity
`(\( v = 10 \, \text{mph} \)),` but bumper car A has a greater mass
`(\( m_A = 350 \, \text{lbs} \))`compared to bumper car
`B (\( m_B = 200 \, \text{lbs} \)).`

The kinetic energy of each bumper car can be calculated using the formula. Let's denote the kinetic energy of bumper car A as
`\( KE_A \)`and bumper car B as
`\( KE_B \)`:

`\[ KE_A = (1)/(2) * m_A * v^2 \]`

`\[ KE_B = (1)/(2) * m_B * v^2 \]`

Since
`\( m_A > m_B \)`, bumper car A will have a higher kinetic energy. The kinetic energy represents the capacity to do work, and in a collision, the car with higher kinetic energy tends to impart more force on the other car. Therefore, bumper car A, with its greater mass, will have more energy and bump bumper car B backward in the collision.

In summary, the collision outcome is influenced by the kinetic energy, which is determined by both mass and velocity. Bumper car A, being heavier, will have more energy and push bumper car B backward in the collision.