Large Mass But Low Kinetic Energy

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SUMMARY

A body can possess a large mass while exhibiting low kinetic energy, as demonstrated by examples such as a fully loaded truck moving slowly in traffic or a tectonic plate moving at a minimal velocity. The kinetic energy (KE) is calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where mass (m) is substantial, but velocity (v) is low. For instance, a tectonic plate weighing approximately 40E21 kg moving at 1.6E-9 m/s results in a kinetic energy of about 50 kJ, sufficient to power a typical incandescent light bulb for 20 minutes. Other examples include a sleeping elephant or any massive object at rest, which would have zero kinetic energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy and its formula (KE = 1/2 * m * v^2)
  • Basic knowledge of mass and velocity concepts
  • Familiarity with examples of large masses in physics
  • Awareness of real-world applications of kinetic energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of low kinetic energy in large masses in physics.
  • Explore the concept of potential energy in relation to kinetic energy.
  • Learn about real-world applications of kinetic energy in engineering.
  • Investigate the behavior of tectonic plates and their kinetic energy in geological studies.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators explaining kinetic energy concepts, and professionals in engineering or geology seeking to understand the dynamics of large masses with low kinetic energy.

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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