Question

A light object and a heavy object have the same kinetic energy. Which one will haved the greater momentum

Answer 1

A: Let’s find the answer symbolically. You are sure to recall the expression for kinetic energy: 1/2*m*v^2 and the expression for momentum: m*v

Suppose the heavy object is nine times heavier than the light one.

Then the heavier object moves sqrt (9) times slower than the light one to satisfy the identity of 1/2 * m *v^2

How then will their momenta compare: m*v and 9*m * 1/3 * v ?

m*v and 3*m*v. Evidently, the heavier object has the higher momentum.

Answer 2

heavy object will have greater momentum as its mass will be greater.

p=mv where p=momentum, m=mass,v=velocity.