Question

A lighter object A and a heavier object B are initially at rest. Both are imparted the same linear momentum. Which will start with greater kinetic energy: A or B or both will start with the same energy?

Answer 1

1. Let m₁ and m₂ be the masses of light object A and heavy object B and v₁ and v₂ be their respective velocities.

2. Since both are imparted with the same linear momentum,

m₁v₁ = m₂v₂ 

3. Kinetic energy of the lighter object A

4. As m₁ < m₂, therefore K.E._A > K.E._B , i.e, the lighter body A has more kinetic energy.