Which has more kinetic energy?
A huge skyscraper that is standing still.
A tiny grain of sand, blowing in the wind.

Question

Which has more kinetic energy? A huge skyscraper that is standing still. A tiny grain of sand, blowing in the wind.

UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

To determine which object has more kinetic energy, let's examine the concept of kinetic energy and apply it to both scenarios.

**Kinetic Energy Formula:**
$$ K = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 $$
where:
- $$ K $$ is kinetic energy,
- $$ m $$ is mass,
- $$ v $$ is velocity.

### 1. **Huge Skyscraper Standing Still**
- **Mass ($$ m $$)**: Extremely large due to the size and materials of the skyscraper.
- **Velocity ($$ v $$)**: **0 m/s** (since it's standing still).

$$ K_{\text{skyscraper}} = \frac{1}{2} m (0)^2 = 0 \, \text{Joules} $$

### 2. **Tiny Grain of Sand Blowing in the Wind**
- **Mass ($$ m $$)**: Very small.
- **Velocity ($$ v $$)**: Greater than 0 m/s (as it's being moved by the wind).

$$ K_{\text{grain of sand}} = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 $$
Since $$ m $$ is very small but $$ v $$ is greater than zero, the kinetic energy is **greater than zero**.

### **Conclusion**
- **Skyscraper**: **0 Joules** of kinetic energy (since it’s not moving).
- **Grain of Sand**: **>0 Joules** of kinetic energy (since it’s in motion).

**Therefore, the tiny grain of sand blowing in the wind has more kinetic energy than the stationary skyscraper.**

**Answer:**  
The moving grain of sand possesses kinetic energy while the stationary skyscraper does not. Therefore, the tiny grain of sand blowing in the wind has more kinetic energy.
The tiny grain of sand blowing in the wind has more kinetic energy than the stationary skyscraper.

Which has more kinetic energy?
A huge skyscraper that is standing still.
A tiny grain of sand, blowing in the wind.

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