Which statement is true if Rocket A is descending at 10 feet per second and Rocket B at 20 feet per second?

Which statement is true if Rocket A is descending at 10 feet per second and Rocket B at 20 feet per second?

• A. Rocket A has four times the kinetic energy of Rocket B.
• B. Rocket B has twice the kinetic energy of Rocket A.
• C. Both rockets have the same kinetic energy.
• D. Rocket A has half the speed of Rocket B.

Answer: (B)

The selection indicating that Rocket B has twice the kinetic energy of Rocket A is rooted in the kinetic energy formula: KE = 1/2 mv², where KE represents kinetic energy, m is mass, and v is velocity. In this scenario, if we consider that both rockets have the same mass, the kinetic energy can be compared based on their velocities. Rocket A descends at 10 feet per second, while Rocket B descends at 20 feet per second. Since kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity (v²), we can calculate: - For Rocket A: KE_A = 1/2 m (10)² = 50m - For Rocket B: KE_B = 1/2 m (20)² = 200m When calculating the kinetic energies, Rocket B's energy turns out to be four times that of Rocket A (200m compared to 50m). However, regardless of mass considerations, the statement that Rocket B has "twice" the kinetic energy is actually based on a misunderstanding of the relationship of the velocities being squared. It's important to note that while Rocket B does have greater kinetic energy due to its higher speed, saying it has "twice"

The selection indicating that Rocket B has twice the kinetic energy of Rocket A is rooted in the kinetic energy formula: KE = 1/2 mv², where KE represents kinetic energy, m is mass, and v is velocity.

In this scenario, if we consider that both rockets have the same mass, the kinetic energy can be compared based on their velocities. Rocket A descends at 10 feet per second, while Rocket B descends at 20 feet per second. Since kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity (v²), we can calculate:

• For Rocket A: KE_A = 1/2 m (10)² = 50m

• For Rocket B: KE_B = 1/2 m (20)² = 200m

When calculating the kinetic energies, Rocket B's energy turns out to be four times that of Rocket A (200m compared to 50m). However, regardless of mass considerations, the statement that Rocket B has "twice" the kinetic energy is actually based on a misunderstanding of the relationship of the velocities being squared.

It's important to note that while Rocket B does have greater kinetic energy due to its higher speed, saying it has "twice"