Factors that Affect Kinetic Energy Quick Check

3 of 53 of 5 Items
Question
Use the table of information to answer the question.

Fruit Mass (kg) Speed (m/s)
Watermelon A 4 2
Watermelon B 4 4
Two watermelons fall off a kitchen counter. The masses and speeds of the fruits are in the table. How do the kinetic and/or the potential energies of the fruits compare?(1 point)
Responses

The watermelon A has more kinetic energy.
The watermelon A has more kinetic energy.

Both fruits have only potential energy and no kinetic energy.
Both fruits have only potential energy and no kinetic energy.

The watermelon B has more kinetic energy.
The watermelon B has more kinetic energy.

Both fruits have the same kinetic and potential energy.
Both fruits have the same kinetic and potential energy.
Skip to navigation

1 answer

To compare the kinetic energies of Watermelon A and Watermelon B, we can use the formula for kinetic energy (KE):

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

where \( m \) is the mass and \( v \) is the speed.

For Watermelon A:

  • Mass = 4 kg
  • Speed = 2 m/s \[ \text{KE}_A = \frac{1}{2} \times 4 \times (2^2) = \frac{1}{2} \times 4 \times 4 = 8 , \text{Joules} \]

For Watermelon B:

  • Mass = 4 kg
  • Speed = 4 m/s \[ \text{KE}_B = \frac{1}{2} \times 4 \times (4^2) = \frac{1}{2} \times 4 \times 16 = 32 , \text{Joules} \]

Now we can compare the kinetic energies:

  • Kinetic Energy of Watermelon A = 8 Joules
  • Kinetic Energy of Watermelon B = 32 Joules

Conclusion: Watermelon B has more kinetic energy.

Thus, the correct response is: The watermelon B has more kinetic energy.