Question
Energy of Motion Unit Test An athlete is practicing shotput using a 16 -pound shot, and he throws it 40 feet. He then uses a 12 -pound shot and throws it 50 feet. In three to four sentences, explain why there is a difference in these throws using the ideas of mass and speed and how each relates to kinetic energy. (4 points)
Ask by Boyd Goodwin. in the United States
Jan 30,2025
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Answer
The athlete throws the lighter 12-pound shot farther because it allows for a higher throwing speed, resulting in more kinetic energy compared to the heavier 16-pound shot.
Solution
The difference in throws is due to the relationship between mass, speed, and kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is given by the formula KE = ½mv², where a lighter 12-pound shot allows the athlete to throw it at a higher speed compared to the heavier 16-pound shot. Although the mass is lower, the significantly increased speed more than compensates, resulting in greater kinetic energy. This higher kinetic energy enables the athlete to throw the lighter shot farther.
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The difference in the throws can be attributed to the relationship between mass, speed, and kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is given by the formula KE = 0.5 * mass * speed². The heavier 16-pound shot has more mass, which means it needs to be thrown with more force to achieve the same speed as the lighter 12-pound shot. However, because the athlete is able to achieve a greater speed with the 12-pound shot, despite its lower mass, it ultimately results in a greater distance thrown—demonstrating how both mass and speed influence kinetic energy.
