How does the mass of a bowling ball that has been rolled down the lane affect the kinetic energy? A) The kinetic energy does not depend on the mass of the bowling ball. B) The kinetic energy is increases proportional to the mass of the bowling ball. C) The kinetic energy is decreases proportional to the mass of the bowling ball. D) The kinetic energy is increases proportional to the square of the mass of the bowling ball.
KE = (1/2)mv^2
D) The kinetic energy increases proportional to the square of the mass of the bowling ball.
To determine how the mass of a bowling ball affects its kinetic energy when rolled down the lane, we need to consider the equation for kinetic energy. Kinetic energy (KE) is given by the formula KE = 0.5 * mass * velocity^2.
In this equation, the mass of the object is involved. So, let's analyze the effect of mass on kinetic energy by considering the different options provided.
A) The option states that kinetic energy does not depend on the mass of the bowling ball. However, this is incorrect because the equation clearly shows that kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass.
B) This option suggests that the kinetic energy increases proportionally to the mass of the bowling ball. This is also incorrect because kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity, not directly to the mass.
C) This option states that kinetic energy decreases proportionally to the mass of the bowling ball. However, this is incorrect because kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass, not inversely proportional.
D) This option suggests that the kinetic energy increases proportionally to the square of the mass of the bowling ball. Based on the correct equation for kinetic energy, KE = 0.5 * mass * velocity^2, this option is true. The kinetic energy of the ball does increase proportionally to the square of its mass.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) The kinetic energy increases proportionally to the square of the mass of the bowling ball.