Verified Solution Science Work, Energy, and Simple Machines

Two identical cars, A and B, are moving such that car A has twice the speed of car B. What is the ratio of their kinetic energies (KE_A : KE_B)?

7 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 5, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • A1:2
  • B2:1
  • C1:4
  • D4:1
Explanation

Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of velocity (KE = 1/2 mv²). If v_A = 2 * v_B, then KE_A = 1/2 m (2v_B)² = 1/2 m (4v_B²) = 4 * (1/2 mv_B²) = 4 * KE_B. Thus, KE_A : KE_B = 4:1.

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