Objects and slide without friction on a horizontal surface

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

Problem

Objects

A

and

B

slide without friction on a horizontal surface. Each object possesses exactly

160\,{\rm J}

of translational kinetic energy at a particular instant. • Object

A

has a speed of

12\,{\rm m\,s^{-1}}

. • Object

B

has a known mass of

4.0\,{\rm kg}

. Assume no external forces act on the objects other than the horizontal surface’s normal force. (a) Determine the mass of object

A

. Show each algebraic step leading to your result. (b) Using the information provided, find the speed of object

B

. (c) Given that both objects have identical kinetic energies, discuss which object—

A

B

—has the greater magnitude of momentum at this instant. Support your conclusion with quantitative reasoning.