Ratio of Momenta for Equal Kinetic Energies – Rankers Physics
Topic: Work Energy and Power
Subtopic: Kinetic Energy and Momentum

Ratio of Momenta for Equal Kinetic Energies

Two masses \( 4m \) and \( 9m \) move with equal kinetic energy. The ratio of the magnitude of their momenta is:
\( 4 : 9 \)
\( 2 : 3 \)
\( 9 : 4 \)
\( 3 : 2 \)

Solution:

Since kinetic energy \( K \) is the same for both masses, the momentum is proportional to the square root of the mass, \( p = \sqrt{2mK} \). Thus, the ratio of their momenta is \( \frac{p_1}{p_2} = \sqrt{\frac{4m}{9m}} = \frac{2}{3} \).

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