To analyze the experiment, we need to consider the relationship between mass, potential energy, and kinetic energy. When the balls are raised to a certain height (before being released), they possess gravitational potential energy, which is given by the formula:
\[ PE = m \cdot g \cdot h \]
where:
- \( PE \) is potential energy
- \( m \) is the mass of the ball
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (a constant)
- \( h \) is the height from which the ball is released
When the balls are released, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy (KE) at the lowest point of their swing, given by the formula:
\[ KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \]
For a constant height (where all balls are released from the same height), the potential energy is directly proportional to the mass of each ball. Therefore, heavier balls will have more potential energy when released, which translates into more kinetic energy at the bottom of their swing.
In the results provided, as the mass of ball A increases, the distance traveled by ball B also increases. This indicates that ball B is receiving more kinetic energy from the heavier ball A hits it with more force, causing it to travel a greater distance.
Thus, the correct statement that best describes these results is:
D. Balls with more mass have more kinetic energy at the bottom of their swings.
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