A 1.0-kg ball is moving at 2.0 m/s, while a 4.0-kg mass is moving at 1.0 m/s. Both are brought to rest by the same constant braking force. The ball that travels the greater distance before stopping is
A) the 1.0-kg ball.
B) the 4.0-kg ball.
C) Both the 1.0-kg and the 4.0-kg ball travel the same distance.
D) More information is needed to work out the answer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance traveled before stopping under a constant braking force depends on the initial kinetic energy, which is given by $ \frac{1}{2}mv^2 $. The 1.0-kg ball has a higher initial kinetic energy ($ \frac{1}{2} \times 1.0 \times (2.0)^2 = 2.0 $ Joules) compared to the 4.0-kg mass ($ \frac{1}{2} \times 4.0 \times (1.0)^2 = 2.0 $ Joules), meaning it will travel a greater distance before stopping.

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