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17 votes
17 votes
Two different masses have equal, non-zero kinetic energies. The momentum of the smaller mass isSelect one:A) smaller than the momentum of the larger mass.B) There is not enough information to answer the question.C) equal to the momentum of the larger mass.D) zero.E) Larger than momentum of the larger mass.

User Dreampowder
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1 Answer

23 votes
23 votes

Let the mass of smaller object be m and mass of larger object be M.

As the kinetic energies are equal,


(p_m^2)/(2m)=(p^2_(_M))/(2M)

On solving further,


(p_m)/(p_M)=\text{ }\sqrt[]{(m)/(M)}

Hence, option A is correct.

User Bmaderbacher
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2.4k points