In the diagram below, two objects of the same size and mass are released from rest at the starting position. Object 1 was released before Object 2 was released. The diagram below shows the positions of Objects 1 and 2 a short time after both were released. Which object in the figure has the least amount of kinetic energy? (1 point) Responses Object 1 Object 1 Object 2 Object 2 Both objects have the same amount of kinetic energy. Both objects have the same amount of kinetic energy. Neither object has any kinetic energy.

Answer 1

In the scenario described, both objects are released from rest, which means they initially have zero kinetic energy. When considering their positions shortly after being released, we must reflect on their velocities and the kinetic energy (\( KE \)) formula:

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

where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity. Since both objects are of the same size and mass and were released from the same starting position, the time they have been in motion will affect their velocities.

Object 1 was released before Object 2, so it has had more time to accelerate and gain speed due to gravity. This implies that Object 1 will have a greater velocity than Object 2 after the same short time.

Therefore, Object 2, which was released later and has had less time to accelerate, will have a smaller velocity and consequently the least amount of kinetic energy.

Based on this analysis, the answer is: Object 2 has the least amount of kinetic energy.