Algebra for physics Transitional Reasoning Download PDF

Questions

1. 1.

   During a collision experiment, a sensor system records the kinetic energy $E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$ and linear momentum $p = mv$ of a cart of unknown mass $m$. To determine the speed $v$ directly without measuring or calculating the mass, a student combines the two equations algebraically. Which expression correctly isolates the speed $v$ in terms of $E_k$ and $p$?

   • A) $v = \frac{E_k}{2p}$
   • B) $v = \sqrt{\frac{2E_k}{p}}$
   • C) $v = \frac{2E_k}{p}$
   • D) $v = \frac{p^2}{2E_k}$