Which of the following examples best represents translational kinetic energy?

• A. A compressed spring storing elastic potential energy
• B. A spinning figure skater rotating about her axis
• C. A battery powering a flashlight
• D. A soccer ball moving across the field with velocity $v$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of translational kinetic energy: it is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion from one location to another, characterized by the object's mass and velocity.
2. Recall the formula for translational kinetic energy: \(E_k = \frac{1}{2} m v^2\), where \(m\) is the mass of the object and \(v\) is its velocity.
3. Analyze each example to determine if the energy involved is due to translational motion: a compressed spring stores potential energy, a spinning figure skater has rotational kinetic energy, and a battery stores chemical potential energy.
4. Identify that a soccer ball moving across the field with velocity \(v\) has kinetic energy due to its linear motion, which fits the definition of translational kinetic energy.
5. Conclude that the example of the soccer ball moving with velocity \(v\) best represents translational kinetic energy.