$A$ light and a heavy object have the same momentum. Find the ratio of their kinetic energies. Which one has a larger kinetic energy?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(A) Let the two objects have masses $m_1$ and $m_2$ such that $m_2 > m_1$. Let their common momentum be $p$.
The kinetic energy $K$ is related to momentum $p$ and mass $m$ by the formula $K = \frac{p^2}{2m}$.
For the first object (lighter),$K_1 = \frac{p^2}{2m_1}$.
For the second object (heavier),$K_2 = \frac{p^2}{2m_2}$.
The ratio of their kinetic energies is $\frac{K_1}{K_2} = \frac{p^2 / 2m_1}{p^2 / 2m_2} = \frac{m_2}{m_1}$.
Since $m_2 > m_1$,it follows that $\frac{m_2}{m_1} > 1$,which implies $K_1 > K_2$.
Therefore,the lighter object has a larger kinetic energy.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ light and a heavy body have the same momentum. Which one will have greater kinetic energy?

Compare the power at which each of the following is moving upwards against the force of gravity? (given $g = 10 \, m \, s^{-2}$)
$(i)$ $A$ butterfly of mass $1.0 \, g$ that flies upward at a rate of $0.5 \, m \, s^{-1}$.
$(ii)$ $A$ $250 \, g$ squirrel climbing up on a tree at a rate of $0.5 \, m \, s^{-1}$.

$A$ light and a heavy object have the same momentum. Find out the ratio of their kinetic energies. Which one has a larger kinetic energy?

Difficult
View Solution

Water stored in a dam possesses

$A$ box of mass $10 \, kg$ is placed at point $A$ on a horizontal surface. It is moved to point $B$,which is at a distance of $2 \, m$ from $A$. If the line joining $A$ and $B$ is horizontal,find the work done by the gravitational force on the box. Justify your answer. $(g = 10 \, m s^{-2})$ (in $, J$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo