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When a light and a heavy body have equal K.E, then which one has a greater momentum?
  • a)
    Light body
  • b)
    Heavy body
  • c)
    Both have equal momentum
  • d)
    Uncertain
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
When a light and a heavy body have equal K.E, then which one has a gre...
**Explanation:**

When a light body and a heavy body have equal kinetic energy, the heavier body will have a greater momentum.

**Kinetic Energy (KE):**

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It is given by the equation:

KE = (1/2)mv^2

where KE is the kinetic energy, m is the mass of the object, and v is the velocity of the object.

**Momentum (p):**

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity. It is given by the equation:

p = mv

where p is the momentum, m is the mass of the object, and v is the velocity of the object.

**Relationship between KE and momentum:**

Since both kinetic energy and momentum involve mass and velocity, there is a relationship between them. By rearranging the equations, we can derive the following relationship:

KE = (1/2)mv^2
=> KE = (1/2)(mv)(v)
=> KE = (1/2)p(v)

From this relationship, we can see that kinetic energy is directly proportional to momentum. Therefore, if two objects have equal kinetic energy, their momenta will also be equal.

**Comparison between light and heavy bodies:**

Now, let's consider a light body and a heavy body with equal kinetic energy.

1. Light body:
- Since it is a light body, it will have a smaller mass (m1) compared to the heavy body.
- Let the velocity of the light body be v1.
- The kinetic energy (KE1) of the light body is equal to the kinetic energy (KE2) of the heavy body.

2. Heavy body:
- Since it is a heavy body, it will have a larger mass (m2) compared to the light body.
- Let the velocity of the heavy body be v2.
- The kinetic energy (KE2) of the heavy body is equal to the kinetic energy (KE1) of the light body.

Now, let's compare the momenta of the light and heavy bodies:

- For the light body: p1 = m1v1
- For the heavy body: p2 = m2v2

Since the kinetic energies are equal, we have:

(1/2)m1v1^2 = (1/2)m2v2^2

From this equation, we cannot determine the relationship between m1v1 and m2v2. It is possible that m1v1 is greater than m2v2 or vice versa. However, we can say that the product of mass and velocity (momentum) is equal for both bodies:

p1 = p2

Therefore, both bodies have equal momentum. Thus, the correct answer is option 'c' - Both have equal momentum.
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