A Level Physics Practice Exam

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Study for the A Level Physics Exam. Our quiz features flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly!

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To find the change in kinetic energy before and after a process, which equation should be used?

1/2m(v1 + v2)^2
KE1 + KE2
KE2 - KE1
KE1 - KE2

The correct answer is: KE1 - KE2

To find the change in kinetic energy before and after a process, the appropriate equation to use is the difference between the final kinetic energy and the initial kinetic energy. This is represented as KE2 - KE1. In this context, KE1 refers to the kinetic energy at the initial state before the process occurs, while KE2 represents the kinetic energy at the final state after the process. The change in kinetic energy is essential in many physics applications, such as understanding the work-energy principle, which states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. By calculating KE2 - KE1, one directly obtains the net change in energy, which reflects how much the kinetic energy has increased or decreased due to the process in question. Therefore, this equation is the correct choice for determining the change in kinetic energy.