A wildlife keeper is trying to catch an escaping rabbit. Who has the greater kinetic energy, the rabbit or the wildlife keeper?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

The wildlife keeper because they have a greater mass.
The wildlife keeper because they have a greater mass.

The wildlife keeper because they speed up and catch the rabbit.
The wildlife keeper because they speed up and catch the rabbit.

Neither one because they are moving at the same speed.
Neither one because they are moving at the same speed.

The rabbit because it has less mass.
The rabbit because it has less mass.

Answer 1

To determine who has greater kinetic energy, we need to consider the formula for kinetic energy:

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

where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity.

1. If the wildlife keeper has a greater mass, their kinetic energy could be greater, especially if they are moving quickly.
2. If the rabbit is smaller but running at a high speed, it may also have significant kinetic energy, depending on how fast it is moving compared to the keeper.

However, the question provides limited information, but typically, a larger mass at any speed generally implies greater kinetic energy, assuming the speeds are comparable.

Based on these considerations:

The most appropriate response would be: The wildlife keeper because they have a greater mass.