Question

A student drops a 350-gram rock and a 500-gram rock into a pool from a height of 8 meters. Which statement about the investigation is accurate?(1 point)
Responses

The 350-gram rock causes a larger splash because it has less mass.
The 350-gram rock causes a larger splash because it has less mass.

The 500-gram rock causes a larger splash because it has more kinetic energy.
The 500-gram rock causes a larger splash because it has more kinetic energy.

The 500-gram rock causes a smaller splash because it has more mass.
The 500-gram rock causes a smaller splash because it has more mass.

The 350-gram rock causes a smaller splash because it has more kinetic energy.

Answer 1

The correct choice is: "The 500-gram rock causes a larger splash because it has more kinetic energy."

Explanation: Both rocks fall from the same height so they hit with the same speed (v = sqrt(2gh)). Kinetic energy on impact is KE = 1/2 mv^2 (or mgh), so the larger mass (500 g) has more kinetic energy and makes the bigger splash (neglecting air resistance and shape differences).