Final answer:
The kinetic energy of a student with a mass of 53 kg and walking at a speed of 1.2 m/s is calculated using the kinetic energy formula KE = ½mv², resulting in 38.16 joules.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the kinetic energy of the student, we apply the kinetic energy formula, which is defined as KE = ½mv², where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. In this case, the mass (m) of the student is given as 53 kg, and the velocity (v) is 1.2 m/s. Plugging these values into the formula gives:
KE = ½ × 53 kg × (1.2 m/s)²
KE = ½ × 53 kg × 1.44 m²/s²
KE = ½ × 53 kg × 1.44 kg·m²/s²
KE = 38.16 kg·m²/s²
KE = 38.16 J (joules)
Thus, the kinetic energy of the student walking to school at a speed of 1.2 m/s is 38.16 joules.