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.

Question

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

To determine which object has the least amount of kinetic energy, we need to consider their velocities. Kinetic energy (KE) is given by the formula:

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

where \( m \) is the mass and \( v \) is the velocity of the object. Since both objects have the same mass and were released from the same position, their initial potential energy at the top would convert to kinetic energy as they move downward.

If Object 1 was released before Object 2, it would have had more time to accelerate due to gravity and would likely have a higher velocity compared to Object 2 after a short time. As a result, Object 1 would have more kinetic energy than Object 2.

Thus, the object with the least amount of kinetic energy is Object 2.

The correct response is:

Object 2