Answer to Question #176734 in Physics for Nicole

Question

In these two experiments, block A and block B are blocks of dry ice sliding on a frictionless surface. Each block experiences an equal force Fpush which is applied to the blocks. The blocks have unequal mass, with block A’s being mA, and block B’s being mB = 0.5mA. In both experiments, the blocks start from rest. In Experiment #1, each block experiences this force while the blocks each travel an equal distance d. In Experiment #2, each block experiences this force while the blocks travel for an equal amount of time t (the distance is unknown in Experiment #2).

6. Which of the following statements best describes the relative comparison of the kinetic energy of each block at the end of Experiment #1? (i.e. when the blocks cross the finish line)

(A) Block A will have more kinetic energy

(B) Block B will have more kinetic energy

(C) The two blocks will have equal kinetic energy

(D) Unable to determine

Answer 1

$$W=Fd=K_a=K_b$$

Answer: (C) The two blocks will have equal kinetic energy