The kinetic energy, in joules, of an object with mass kilograms traveling at a speed of meters per second is given by the function , where . Which of the following is the best interpretation of in this context?
Explanation
Answer: C. The kinetic energy of the object is joules when the object is traveling at a speed of meters per second.
Explanation:1. Identify the given function: , where is the kinetic energy in joules of an object with mass kilograms traveling at a speed of meters per second.
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Identify the specific value given for interpretation: .
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Interpret the input and output of the function in the expression : - The input to the function is , the speed in meters per second. In , the input . This means the speed of the object is meters per second. - The output of the function is the kinetic energy in joules. In , the output is . This means the kinetic energy is joules.
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Combine these interpretations: means that when the speed of the object () is meters per second, the kinetic energy of the object () is joules.
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Evaluate the given options: - [A] The kinetic energy of the object is joules when the mass of the object is kilograms. (The mass is given as kilograms and is not the variable in ). - [B] The speed of the object is meters per second when the mass of the object is kilograms. (This confuses the input and output with mass). - [C] The kinetic energy of the object is joules when the object is traveling at a speed of meters per second. (This matches our interpretation). - [D] The height of the object is meters when the object is traveling at a speed of meters per second. (The function relates to kinetic energy and speed, not height).
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Conclusion: The best interpretation of in this context is that the kinetic energy of the object is joules when the object is traveling at a speed of meters per second.