Asked in MDCAT Test Series — Electrostatics, Work and EnergyModerate

Two bodes with kinetic energies in the ratio of 4: 1 are moving with equal linear momentum. The ration of their masses is:

Correct answer: D. 1 : 4

  • A. 1 : 2
  • B. 1 : 1
  • C. 4 : 1
  • D. 1 : 4

Explanation

Given:Kinetic energy ratio: KE_1 / KE_2 = 4/1Linear momentum: p_1 = p_2Relationship between kinetic energy (KE), momentum (p), and mass (m):KE = p^2 / (2m)From this, we can express mass as:m = p^2 / (2KE)Ratio of masses:m_1 / m_2 = (p_1^2 / 2KE_1) / (p_2^2 / 2KE_2)m_1 / m_2 = (p_1^2 / p_2^2) * (KE_2 / KE_1)Since p_1 = p_2, the momentum ratio (p_1/p_2)^2 = 1.The kinetic energy ratio is given as KE_1/KE_2 = 4/1, so KE_2/KE_1 = 1/4.Substituting these values:m_1 / m_2 = (1) * (1/4)m_1 / m_2 = 1/4The ratio of their masses is 1:4.

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