Question

Two blocks of ice , one four times as heavy as the other, aren at rest on a frozen lake. a person pushes each block the same distance d.ignore friction and assume that an equal force F is exerted on each block. which of the following statements is true about the kinetic energy of the heavier block after the push?A) it is smaller than kinetic energy of the lighter blockB) it is equal to the kinetic energy of the lighter blockC) it is larger than the kinetic energy of the lighter blockD) it cannot be determined without knowing the force and the mass of each block

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is B: the kinetic energy of the heavier block is equal to the kinetic energy of the lighter block.

Explanation:

Hi there!

The work done on each block is calculated as follows:

W = F · d

Since the two blocks were pushed the same distance with the same force, the work done on each object is the same.

Using the work-energy theorem, we know that the work done on an object is equal to its change in kinetic energy (KE):

W = ΔKE

W = final KE - initial KE

Since the objects are at rest, initial KE = 0, then:

W = final KE

Since the work done on each block is the same, so will be its final kinetic energy.

The correct answer is B: the kinetic energy of the heavier block is equal to the kinetic energy of the lighter block.