Question

two identical motorcycles are driving on the road. one is going 10 miles per hour, and the other is going 50 miles per hour. which motorcycle has more kinetic energy?
the one going 10 miles per hour.
the one going 50 miles per hour.
they have the same kinetic energy.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall kinetic energy formula

The formula for kinetic energy is $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$, where $m$ is mass and $v$ is velocity.

Step2: Analyze the problem

The two motorcycles are identical, so their masses ($m$) are equal. Let the mass of each motorcycle be $m$. For the first motorcycle, velocity $v_1 = 10$ mph, and for the second, $v_2 = 50$ mph.

Step3: Compare kinetic energies

Calculate $KE_1=\frac{1}{2}m(10)^2 = 50m$ and $KE_2=\frac{1}{2}m(50)^2 = 1250m$. Since $1250m>50m$ (and $m>0$), the motorcycle with higher velocity (50 mph) has more kinetic energy.

Answer:

The one going 50 miles per hour.