When a rifle fires a bullet and recoils freely, how does its kinetic energy compare with that of the bullet?

Question

When a rifle fires a bullet and recoils freely, how does its kinetic energy compare with that of the bullet? — Exam MCQ

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B. Less than the bullet's kinetic energy — The rifle and bullet have equal and opposite momenta. Since K = p²/(2m), the more massive rifle has less kinetic energy.

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A. Greater than the bullet's kinetic energy

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C. Equal to the bullet's kinetic energy

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D. Zero

When a rifle fires a bullet and recoils freely, how does its kinetic energy compare with that of the bullet?

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