A car and a loaded truck are moving with the same speed along a road. As…
2023
A car and a loaded truck are moving with the same speed along a road. As compared to the truck, the car shall possess:
- A.
More kinetic energy
- B.
More potential energy
- C.
Less kinetic energy
- D.
Less potential energy
Attempted by 58 students.
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Correct answer: C
Kinetic energy is given by KE = (1/2) m v^2, where m is the mass of the body and v is its speed.
Here the car and the loaded truck move with the same speed v, so v is identical for both. A loaded truck has a far greater mass than a car, so m_truck > m_car.
Because kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass when the speed is the same, the heavier loaded truck has the greater kinetic energy. The lighter car therefore possesses LESS kinetic energy than the truck.
Hence, as compared to the truck, the car possesses less kinetic energy.