Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2016 2016Moderate

Two objects, P and Q have the same momentum. Q has more kinetic energy than P if it:

Correct answer: B. Is moving faster than P

  • A. Weighs more than P
  • B. Is moving faster than P
  • C. Weighs the same as P
  • D. Is moving slower than P

Explanation

To determine which object has more kinetic energy when two objects have the same momentum, examine their speeds. Momentum (p = mv) being equal means that a heavier object (Q) must be moving slower than a lighter object (P) to maintain the same momentum. However, kinetic energy (KE = (1/2)mv2) is more affected by speed than mass because velocity is squared in the formula. Therefore, if Q is moving faster, it will have more kinetic energy despite potentially having less mass. This makes option B correct. Options A and D are incorrect because they imply Q is moving slower, which would result in less kinetic energy. Option C is incorrect because the same mass and momentum imply the same speed and kinetic energy.

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About Kinetic Energy

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