Question

1. a scientist measures the kinetic energy of different objects moving at different speeds. the data table below shows the relationship between the objects speed and their kinetic energy.

looking at objects with the same mass, explain how kinetic energy changes with speed.
your answer

Explanation:

First, identify objects with the same mass: A & B (mass=2kg), C & D (mass=3kg), E & F (mass=4kg). For A & B: speed increases from 4 to 6 m/s (1.5x), kinetic energy increases from 16 to 36 J (2.25x = 1.5²). For C & D: speed increases from 4 to 6 m/s (1.5x), kinetic energy increases from 24 to 54 J (2.25x = 1.5²). For E & F: speed increases from 4 to 6 m/s (1.5x), kinetic energy increases from 32 to 72 J (2.25x = 1.5²). This shows kinetic energy is proportional to the square of speed when mass is constant.

Answer:

When mass is constant, kinetic energy increases with the square of the speed.