Question

If the speed of a vehicle increases by 22%, by what factor does its kinetic energy increase?

Answer 1

Speed of vehicle increases from v to (v + 22v/100) or v to 1.22v.

Kinetic energy when velocity is v, E₁ = 0.5mv²

When speed increases to 1.22v, E₂ = 0.5m(1.22v)²

                                                          = 1.4884 x 0.5mv²

                                                          = 1.4884E₁

Hence, the kinetic energy increases by = [(1.4884E₁ - E₁) x 100]/E₁

                                                               = 48.84 %