Question

You are told 3 things...1 that there are two objects with equal masses 2 both objects are in motion 3 one object has a greater kinetic energy than the other. How is this possible

Answer 1

In physics, the kinetic energy of an object is given by the formula:

\[
KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2
\]

where \( KE \) is the kinetic energy, \( m \) is the mass, and \( v \) is the velocity of the object.

Given your scenario where there are two objects with equal masses, both in motion, but one object has greater kinetic energy than the other, this situation can be explained by the velocities of the two objects.

Since both objects have equal mass, the only way for one to have greater kinetic energy than the other is that it must have a higher velocity. Specifically, if one object (let's call it Object A) has a higher velocity than the other object (Object B), the kinetic energy of Object A will be greater, even if the masses are identical.

For example, if both objects have a mass \( m \), and Object A has a velocity \( v_A \) and Object B has a velocity \( v_B \):

- Kinetic energy of Object A:
\[
KE_A = \frac{1}{2} m v_A^2
\]

- Kinetic energy of Object B:
\[
KE_B = \frac{1}{2} m v_B^2
\]

If \( v_A > v_B \), then \( KE_A > KE_B\), indicating that Object A (the faster object) has more kinetic energy than Object B, despite both having equal mass.

In conclusion, the greater kinetic energy of one object compared to the other can occur provided that their velocities are different, with the object having the greater kinetic energy moving faster.