Two objects, mass A and mass B, undergo circular motion. The experience the same size centripetal force, and travel on circles with the same size radius. If mass A=m, and mass B=2m, how do their Kinetic energies compare?
Group of answer choices
KE A is twice as big as KE B
KE B is twice as big as KE A
KE B is four times as big as KE A
KE A is four times as big as KE B
To compare the kinetic energies of two objects in circular motion, we need to understand the relationship between kinetic energy and mass.
The formula for kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 1/2 * mass * velocity^2.
In this scenario, we have two objects, mass A and mass B, undergoing circular motion with the same size centripetal force and radius. We are given that mass A = m and mass B = 2m.
Since both objects are experiencing the same size centripetal force and radius, they will have the same velocity (v). This is because the centripetal force, given by the equation F = (mass * velocity^2) / radius, remains the same for both objects.
Now, let's compare their kinetic energies:
KE A = 1/2 * mass A * velocity^2
= 1/2 * m * v^2
KE B = 1/2 * mass B * velocity^2
= 1/2 * 2m * v^2
= m * v^2
Comparing KE A and KE B, we can see that KE B = 2 * KE A.
Therefore, the correct answer is: KE B is twice as big as KE A.