Question

If an object's speed is doubled, its kinetic energy:

Option 1: Doubles
Option 2: Halves
Option 3: Becomes four times greater
Option 4: Remains the same

Answer 1

Doubling an object's speed results in its kinetic energy becoming four times greater due to the kinetic energy being proportional to the square of the speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the speed of an object is doubled, its kinetic energy is affected by the square of the change in speed. Kinetic energy (KE) is given by the formula KE = \(rac{1}{2}mv^2\), where m is the mass and v is the velocity of the object. If we double the speed (v becomes 2v), the kinetic energy becomes \(\frac{1}{2}m(2v)^2 = 2^2 \times \frac{1}{2}mv^2 = 4 \times\) the original kinetic energy.

Therefore, if an object's speed is doubled, its kinetic energy becomes four times greater, making option 3 the correct answer.