Two bodies of unequal mass are moving in the same direction with equal kinetic energy. The two bodies are brought to rest by applying retarding force of the same magnitude. How would the distance moved by them before coming to rest compare?
According to work-energy theorem, Change in KE is equal to work done by all the forces acting on the body. Let us assume that only one force (retarding force) is acting on the body, therefore, KE of the body = Work done by retarding force KE of the body = Retarding force x Displacement As KE of the bodies and retarding forces applied on them are same, therefore, both bodies will travel equal distances before coming to rest.
