Change set

Pick exam & year, then Go.

Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect Bookmarked
Loading…
Q116 (IAS/1996) Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) › Basic mechanics concepts Answer Verified

A truck, a car and a motor cycle have equal kinetic energies. If equal stopping

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3 (x = y = z). This result is derived from the Work-Energy Theorem, which states that the work done by a force is equal to the change in kinetic energy of the object.

Mathematically, the relationship is expressed as:

  • Work Done (W) = Force (F) × Distance (d)
  • Change in Kinetic Energy (ΔKE) = W

In this scenario:

  • All three vehicles have equal initial kinetic energies (K).
  • To bring them to a stop, the final kinetic energy is zero, so the change in kinetic energy is the same for all (ΔKE = K).
  • The problem states that equal stopping forces (F) are applied to each vehicle.

Since K = F × d, and both K and F are identical for the truck, car, and motorcycle, the stopping distance d must also be identical. Therefore, the distances x, y, and z are equal, making Option 3 correct. Mass and velocity do not independently affect the distance when the total kinetic energy and force are pre-defined as equal.

How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
46%
got it right
✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

5 Cross-Linked PYQs

UPSC repeats concepts across years. Login to see how this question connects to 5 others.

Login with Google