Question map
Two cars A and B have masses mA and mB respectively, with mA > mB- Both the cars are moving in the same direction with equal kinetic energy. If equal braking force is applied on both, then before coming to rest
Explanation
According to the work-energy theorem, the net work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. In this scenario, both cars A and B possess equal initial kinetic energy and are brought to rest, meaning their final kinetic energy is zero. Therefore, the change in kinetic energy (ΔK) is identical for both cars. Work done is defined as the product of force and displacement (W = F!! d). Since an equal braking force (F) is applied to both cars, and the work required to stop them (W = ΔK) is the same, the stopping distance (d) must also be the same for both. Although car A has a greater mass (mA > mB), the work-energy principle dictates that stopping distance depends only on the initial kinetic energy and the applied force, not independently on mass or velocity if the energy is already specified as equal.
Sources
- [1] https://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/david.d.apsley/lectures/mechanics/slides_momentum.pdf