Question

On the ramp shown below, a student releases two identical objects at different starting points. The student releases Object 1 first. The diagram below shows the positions of Objects 1 and 2 in motion.



Which has the highest kinetic energy?

(1 point)
Responses

Object 1
Object 1

Object 2
Object 2

Both objects have the same kinetic energy.
Both objects have the same kinetic energy.

Both objects have zero kinetic energy.
Both objects have zero kinetic energy.
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Answer 1

To determine which object has the highest kinetic energy, we must consider the factors affecting kinetic energy: mass, velocity, and the formula for kinetic energy:

\[ KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \]

In this scenario, since the objects are identical, they have the same mass (m). The key factor will be their velocities (v) at the points in time they are being compared.

If Object 1 is at a lower position on the ramp than Object 2, it likely has a higher velocity as it has more potential energy converted to kinetic energy. Conversely, if both objects are at the same height and moving at the same speed, they would have the same kinetic energy.

Given that Object 1 was released first and is likely to have gained more speed by the time Object 2 is released, it would typically have the higher kinetic energy. However, if both objects happen to be at the same height and speed, they would have identical kinetic energy.

Without specific information about the positions and speeds of the two objects, the most reasonable assumption based on the information provided is that:

**Object 1 has the highest kinetic energy.**

If you know their positions or if they are both at rest at the top of the ramp, the correct answer could change, but generally, a released object on a ramp gains kinetic energy as it descends.