Question

question 222 of 288 which of the following would cause the greatest decrease in an objects kinetic energy? a. doubling the mass of the object b. reducing the mass of the object by half c. reducing the velocity of the object by half d. doubling the velocity of the object

Explanation:

Step1: Kinetic energy formula

$KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$ (m: mass, v: velocity)

Step2: Analyze Option A

Double mass: $KE_A = \frac{1}{2}(2m)v^2 = 2KE_{\text{initial}}$ (increase)

Step3: Analyze Option B

Halve mass: $KE_B = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{m}{2})v^2 = \frac{KE_{\text{initial}}}{2}$ (decrease by $\frac{KE_{\text{initial}}}{2}$)

Step4: Analyze Option C

Halve velocity: $KE_C = \frac{1}{2}m(\frac{v}{2})^2 = \frac{KE_{\text{initial}}}{4}$ (decrease by $\frac{3KE_{\text{initial}}}{4}$)

Step5: Analyze Option D

Double velocity: $KE_D = \frac{1}{2}m(2v)^2 = 4KE_{\text{initial}}$ (increase)

Answer:

C. Reducing the velocity of the object by half