PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
During the algebraic derivation of KE=21mv2, the acceleration a does not appear in the final formula. Which statement best explains this outcome?
(a) a is assumed to be zero, so it naturally disappears from the algebra.
(b) The a terms in F=ma and in the displacement s=2av2−u2 cancel when s is substituted into the work formula.
(c) Because the derivation starts with u=0, the factor a is eliminated along with u.
(d) Kinetic energy depends only on mass and velocity; since acceleration merely causes the motion, it is regarded as irrelevant and left out of the final expression.