Help with Kinetic Energy concept of two masses that move the same distance

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of kinetic energy in relation to two masses that move the same distance. Participants are exploring the implications of mass and speed on kinetic energy calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning how kinetic energy is affected by mass and speed, particularly when two objects move the same distance. There is an exploration of the relationship between work done and kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and prompting each other to reconsider the factors influencing kinetic energy. Some participants are beginning to grasp the nuances of the problem, while others are still seeking clarity on the assumptions involved.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the problem may involve assumptions about the forces applied and the duration of those forces, which are not explicitly stated in the problem.

riseofphoenix
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Help with Kinetic Energy concept of two masses that move the same distance!

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I don't understand why the answer to this is B :(

Because KE = (1/2)mv2, if they move the same distance and have DIFFERENT masses, the kinetic energies would be different no?
 
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Don't forget that the KE depends on the speed of the blocks, not just the masses and certainly not (at least not explicitly) the distance they move.
Hint: consider instead the amount of work done by the force on the masses.
 


Oh ok I think I understand...
 


riseofphoenix said:
Because KE = (1/2)mv2, if they move the same distance and have DIFFERENT masses, the kinetic energies would be different no?
It's natural to assume that the force is applied for the same duration to each, but you are not told that. In fact, it cannot be so. Hence, the speeds can be different although the distances are the same.
 

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