Question

A 50-kg fish is swimming with a speed of 4 m/s. A.) What is its KE? B. If the fish suddenly speeds up to 12 m/s to catch a small fish, what is the value of KE at this point?

Answer 1

The kinetic energy of a 50-kg fish swimming at 4 m/s is 400 Joules, and when the fish increases its speed to 12 m/s, the kinetic energy is 3600 Joules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks for the calculation of the kinetic energy (KE) of a 50-kg fish that is swimming at different speeds. Kinetic energy is calculated using the formula KE = (1/2)mv² where m is the mass and v is the velocity of the object.

Part A: Kinetic Energy at 4 m/s

For the first part of the question:

• Mass (m) = 50 kg
• Initial velocity (v) = 4 m/s

We substitute these values into the kinetic energy formula:

KE = (1/2) * 50 kg * (4 m/s)² = 400 Joules

Part B: Kinetic Energy at 12 m/s

For the second part where the fish speeds up:

• Mass (m) = 50 kg
• New velocity (v) = 12 m/s

We substitute these values into the kinetic energy formula:

KE = (1/2) * 50 kg * (12 m/s)² = 3600 Joules

The kinetic energy of the fish at 4 m/s is 400 Joules, and when it speeds up to 12 m/s, its kinetic energy increases to 3600 Joules.