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Two cars in motion have equal mass. Which car has more kinetic energy?

A. the car with the greatest acceleration
B. the car with the greatest speed
C. the car with the greatest volume
D. the car with the greatest size

3 answers

To determine which car has more kinetic energy, we need to recall the formula for kinetic energy:

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

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

Given that both cars have equal mass, the kinetic energy depends only on the speed of the cars. Therefore, the car with the greatest speed will have the greatest kinetic energy.

The correct answer is B. the car with the greatest speed.

are you sure this is correct

Yes, I am sure. The kinetic energy of an object is directly related to the square of its speed, as indicated by the formula:

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

Since both cars have equal mass (\(m\)), the kinetic energy for each car depends solely on its speed (\(v\)).

  • If one car has a higher speed than the other, it will have more kinetic energy, as the kinetic energy increases with the square of the speed.
  • The options related to acceleration, volume, and size do not directly impact the calculated kinetic energy in this scenario.

Therefore, the option that correctly identifies which car has more kinetic energy is indeed B. the car with the greatest speed.