College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 6 - Linear Momentum and Collisions - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 213: 2

Answer

They will have the same kinetic energy only when the masses are equal.

Work Step by Step

the kinetic energy(KE) is given by E= $\frac{1}{2} m v^2$ Thus we can write E=$ \frac{m^2 v^2}{2m} = \frac{p^2}{2m} $ Or, The momentum are the same i.e. $p_1= p_2p $ ​$E_1/E-2=m_2/m_1$.So we can say that for two objects of the same momentum, the kinetic energy will be inversely proportional to their masses. They will have the same kinetic energy only when the masses are equal.
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