Question

Which cart has the greatest kinetic energy?

a. m = 1 kg, v = 3 m/s b. m = 3 kg, v = 1 m/s c. m = 3 kg, v = 2 m/s d. m = 4 kg, v = 1 m/s

Answer 1

We will individually calculate the Kinetic Energy of each of the carts and compare them

Cart A:

m = 1 kg , v = 3 m/s

KE = 1/2 mv²

KE = 9/2 = 4.5 J

Cart B:

m = 3 kg , v = 1m/s

KE = 1/2 mv²

KE = 3/2 = 1.5 J

Cart C:

m = 3 kg , v = 2 m/s

KE = 1/2 mv²

KE = 6 J

Cart D:

m = 4 kg , v = 2 m/s

KE = 1/2 mv²

KE = 2 J

Therefore, Cart C has the most Kinetic energy