Two stones, P and Q

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Work and Energy · Work and Energy

Problem

Two stones, P and Q, are thrown horizontally from the edge of a cliff into a soft sand bed at the foot. Stone P has a mass of 0.50 kg0.50\,\text{kg} and is thrown with a speed of 10 m s−110\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}, while stone Q has a mass of 0.25 kg0.25\,\text{kg} and is thrown with a speed of 20 m s−120\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}. (a) Calculate the kinetic energy of each stone just before it strikes the sand. (b) Find the ratio of the kinetic energies of Q to P. (c) The sand exerts the same constant retarding force on each stone. Assuming each stone comes to rest after penetrating the sand, determine the ratio of the penetration depths of Q to P. State which stone penetrates deeper and give a reason based on your calculation.

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