Question

Why can a small object have the same kinetic energy as a large object if its velocity is large enough?

Answer 1

The velocity is squared!

Explanation:

Kinetic energy is governed by the equation:

`E_k = 1/2 m v^2`

The velocity is squared! If a smaller object is moving much faster than a larger object, this squaring compensates for the smaller mass.

Example: `m_1 = 1` kg and `m_2 = 4` kg and `E_1 = E_2`

`1/2 m_1 v_1^2 = 1/2 m_2 v_2^2`

`v_1^2 = 4v_2^2`

`v_1 = 2v_2`

This example illustrates that even if the smaller object is 4 times lighter, it can obtain the same kinetic energy by moving twice as fast as the heavier object.