question 222 of 288 which of the following would cause the greatest decrease in an objects kinetic energy…

Explanation:

Step1: Kinetic energy formula

$KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$ (m: mass, v: velocity)

Step2: Analyze Option A

Double mass: $KE_A = \frac{1}{2}(2m)v^2 = 2KE_{\text{initial}}$ (increase)

Step3: Analyze Option B

Halve mass: $KE_B = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{m}{2})v^2 = \frac{KE_{\text{initial}}}{2}$ (decrease by $\frac{KE_{\text{initial}}}{2}$)

Step4: Analyze Option C

Halve velocity: $KE_C = \frac{1}{2}m(\frac{v}{2})^2 = \frac{KE_{\text{initial}}}{4}$ (decrease by $\frac{3KE_{\text{initial}}}{4}$)

Step5: Analyze Option D

Double velocity: $KE_D = \frac{1}{2}m(2v)^2 = 4KE_{\text{initial}}$ (increase)

Answer:

C. Reducing the velocity of the object by half