Question

If the roller coaster car in the above problem were moving with twice the speed, then what would be its new kinetic energy? (use scientific notation)

a) 2×10¹ J
b) 4×10¹ J
c) 8×10¹ J
d) 1×10² J

Answer 1

The new kinetic energy of the roller coaster car moving at twice the speed will be four times the initial kinetic energy, resulting in 4 joules (J).

Step-by-step explanation:

If the roller coaster car is moving with twice the speed, its new kinetic energy can be determined by using the kinetic energy formula KE = 0.5×m×v2, where m is the mass and v is the velocity of the object. Since kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the speed, if the speed is doubled, the kinetic energy will increase by a factor of four (since 22 = 4). Given that the initial kinetic energy was 1 joule (J), when the speed is doubled, the new kinetic energy will be 4 J.