Question

Identify the constant of proportionality in the equation k = 1/2mv²

A) 1/2
B) m
C) 1/2m
D) 2

Answer 1

The constant of proportionality in the equation k = 1/2mv² is 1/2, which makes A) 1/2 the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The constant of proportionality in the equation k = 1/2mv² is the factor that relates the kinetic energy (k) to the mass (m) and the square of the velocity (v²). In this equation, that constant is 1/2, meaning the correct answer is A) 1/2. This is because the quantity 1/2 is multiplied by the variable m and v² to yield the kinetic energy, which remains constant in a system with no external work being done. This concept is important in understanding the conservation of energy in physics, especially in the context of simple harmonic oscillators and elastic collisions.