Question

Which object has the most kinetic energy? A 100 kg car going 50 m/s, a 100 kg car going 100 m/s, or a 50 kg car going 50 m/s

Answer 1

The second option. A 100 kg car going 100 m/s has the most kinetic energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for kinetic energy is

`KE=(mv^2)/(2)`

We have 3 situations;

1)
`m=100` and
`v=50`

2)
`m=100` and
`v=100`

3)
`m=50` and
`v=50`

Substitute the values for each situation into the kinetic energy equation.

1)
`KE=(100*50^2)/(2)`
`KE=125000`

2)
`KE=(100*100^2)/(2)`
`KE=500000`

3)
`KE=(50*50^2)/(2)`
`KE=62500`

Situation 2 has the greatest kinetic energy.