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KCET · Physics · Center of Mass Momentum and Collision

Two bodies with kinetic energies in the ratio of \(3:1\) are moving with equal linear momentum. The ratio of their masses is

  1. A \(1:4\)
  2. B \(1:3\)
  3. C \(1:2\)
  4. D \(1:1\)
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(B) \(1:3\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

The kinetic energy \(K\) of a body is related to its linear momentum \(p\) and mass \(m\) by the relation:

\(K = \dfrac{p^2}{2m}\)

Since the linear momenta of the two bodies are equal (\(p_1 = p_2 = p\)), the kinetic energy is inversely proportional to the mass:

\(K \propto \dfrac{1}{m}\)

Therefore, the ratio of their masses is:

\(\dfrac{m_1}{m_2} = \dfrac{K_2}{K_1}\)

Given that the ratio of their kinetic energies is \(\dfrac{K_1}{K_2} = \dfrac{3}{1}\), we get:

\(\dfrac{m_1}{m_2} = \dfrac{1}{3}\)

The ratio of their masses is \(1:3\).

Answer: \(1:3\)