HESI A2 Physics Practice Test Related

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What is the kinetic energy of a 500-kg wagon moving at 10 m/s?

  • A. 50 J
  • B. 250 J
  • C. 2.5 10^4 J
  • D. 5.0 10^5 J
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 0.5 mass velocity². Given the mass of the wagon is 500 kg and the velocity is 10 m/s, we can substitute these values into the formula: KE = 0.5 500 kg (10 m/s)² = 0.5 500 kg 100 m²/s² = 25,000 J or 2.5 10⁴ J. Therefore, the kinetic energy of the 500-kg wagon moving at 10 m/s is 2.5 10⁴ J. Choice A (50 J) is incorrect because it is too low; Choice B (250 J) is incorrect as it does not match the correct calculation; Choice D (5.0 10^5 J) is incorrect as it is too high. The correct answer is C (2.5 10^4 J).