If the momentum of an object is tripled,its kinetic energy will change by what factor?
A)zero
B)one-third
C)three
D)nine

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kinetic energy (KE) is given by the formula KE = (1/2)mv^2, where m is the mass and v is the velocity of the object. Momentum (p) is given by the formula p = mv. If the momentum is tripled, it means the new momentum p' = 3mv. Since the mass (m) remains constant, this implies that the velocity must be tripled for the momentum to triple. Substituting the tripled velocity into the kinetic energy formula, we get KE' = (1/2)m(3v)^2 = (1/2)m(9v^2) = 9 * (1/2)mv^2, which means the kinetic energy is increased by a factor of nine.

If the Momentum of an Object Is Tripled,its Kinetic Energy