An athlete is practicing shotput using a 16-pound shot, and he throws it 40 feet. He then uses a 12-pound shot and throws it 50 feet. In three to four sentences, explain why there is a difference in these throws using the ideas of mass and speed and how each relates to kinetic energy.(4 points)

Answer 1

The 16-pound shot has more mass than the 12-pound shot, which means it has more potential for kinetic energy. Additionally, when the athlete throws the 16-pound shot, he might exert more force and create a higher velocity compared to when he throws the 12-pound shot. This increase in mass and velocity results in a greater kinetic energy, allowing the shot to travel a shorter distance.