A boulder is dropped onto mud and plows into it a certain distance.If it hits with three times as much speed,the distance it plows into the mud will likely be

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance a boulder plows into mud when dropped is related to the kinetic energy it has upon impact. Kinetic energy is given by the formula $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$, where $m$ is mass and $v$ is velocity. If the speed is tripled, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of $3^2 = 9$, suggesting the boulder will plow significantly deeper, more than three times as deep, due to the squared relationship between speed and kinetic energy.

A Boulder Is Dropped onto Mud and Plows into It