Consider two carts,of masses m and 2m,at rest on a frictionless air track.If you push the first cart for 3 m and then the other for the same length of distance with the same force,which cart undergoes the smallest change in kinetic energy?
A)the cart with mass m
B)the cart with mass 2m
C)The change in kinetic energy is the same in each case.
D)There is no change in kinetic energy in either cart.
E)Impossible to tell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the force and distance are the same for both carts, the work done on each cart is the same. As kinetic energy is related to work done, the change in kinetic energy will also be the same for both carts. Therefore, the correct option is (C), i.e., the change in kinetic energy is the same in each case. This result is a consequence of the work-energy theorem that states that the net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. It is independent of the mass of the object(the kinetic energy depends on mass and speed).

Consider Two Carts,of Masses M and 2m,at Rest on a Frictionless