To determine which statement is accurate, we need to consider how splash size relates to mass and kinetic energy.
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Kinetic Energy Calculation: The kinetic energy (KE) of an object just before it hits the water can be calculated using the equation: \[ KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \] where \(m\) is mass and \(v\) is velocity.
The velocity of an object falling from a height (h) is given by: \[ v = \sqrt{2gh} \] where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \(9.81 , \text{m/s}^2\)).
Since both rocks are dropped from the same height (8 meters), they will hit the water with the same velocity. Therefore, their kinetic energies will differ only due to their masses.
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Mass Consideration:
- The 350-gram rock has a mass of 0.350 kg.
- The 500-gram rock has a mass of 0.500 kg.
The kinetic energy of the 500-gram rock will be greater than that of the 350-gram rock simply because it has more mass.
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Splash Size: Typically, a rock with greater kinetic energy (in this case, the 500-gram rock) will displace more water upon impact, leading to a larger splash.
Given these considerations, the statement that accurately reflects the relationship between mass, kinetic energy, and splash size is:
- The 500-gram rock causes a larger splash because it has more kinetic energy.
Therefore, if that option were available, it would be the most accurate response. However, since it's not stated directly in your list, the closest accurate statement based on typical physics reasoning is:
- The 500-gram rock causes a larger splash because it has more mass., which implies it has more kinetic energy at the moment of impact due to its mass.