One car is traveling twice as fast as a second car. How much more work can the first car do. compared to the second car, in smashing into a brick wall?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by a car in smashing into a wall is related to its kinetic energy, which is proportional to the square of its speed. If the first car is traveling twice as fast, its kinetic energy is four times greater, so it can do four times as much work.

One Car Is Traveling Twice as Fast as a Second