Large Mass But Low Kinetic Energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around examples of bodies that possess a large mass but exhibit low kinetic energy. Participants seek to explore various scenarios and reasoning behind such cases, including theoretical and practical examples.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a fully loaded truck moving slowly in traffic is an example of a large mass with low kinetic energy, emphasizing the role of velocity in determining kinetic energy.
  • Others propose a sleeping elephant as an example, noting that while it meets the criteria, it may be considered an extreme case.
  • A participant mentions a tectonic plate, calculating its kinetic energy based on its mass and a very low velocity, suggesting it as a practical example.
  • There is a discussion about any massive object in its rest frame, which would have zero kinetic energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single example, as multiple competing views and examples are presented, each with varying degrees of acceptance and context.

Contextual Notes

Some examples depend on specific conditions such as velocity and frame of reference, which may affect the interpretation of kinetic energy in different scenarios.

PrakashPrasad
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Can anyone please let me know an example where a body has large mass but low Kinetic Energy? Please provide some reasons for same.
 
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What exactly do you need it for? Then I may be able to help you better.
 
SDewan said:
What exactly do you need it for? Then I may be able to help you better.
I am in need of an example of a body having large mass but low kinetic energy? Please let me some reason for same - is an elephant moving uphill an example of same
 
Going by the definition, KE=1/2*m*v^2
Just consider a fully loaded truck moving slowly in a traffic jam.
This meets the requirement for a heavy body and low KE. The only thing which is in our control is the velocity. So have as low a velocity as possible.
 
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PrakashPrasad said:
I am in need of an example of a body having large mass but low kinetic energy? Please let me some reason for same - is an elephant moving uphill an example of same
How about a sleeping elephant?
 
A.T. said:
How about a sleeping elephant?
This case, though meets thecriteria, but is an extreme case.
 
PrakashPrasad said:
Can anyone please let me know an example where a body has large mass but low Kinetic Energy? Please provide some reasons for same.
How about a tectonic plate. 40E21 kg at 1.6E-9 m/s gives a KE of about 50 kJ, which is only enough energy to power a typical incandescent light bulb for about 20 minutes.
 
Dale said:
How about a tectonic plate.
Or how about any massive object in the rest frame of that object?
 
Yes I thought about that too, which would make it obviously 0.
 

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