On the ramp shown below, a student releases two identical objects at different starting points. The student releases Object 1 first. The diagram below shows the positions of Objects 1 and 2 in motion.

Question

Which has the highest kinetic energy?

(1 point)
Responses

Object 1
Object 1

Object 2
Object 2

Both objects have the same kinetic energy.
Both objects have the same kinetic energy.

Both objects have zero kinetic energy.
Both objects have zero kinetic energy.
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Answer 1

To determine which object has the highest kinetic energy, we should consider the positions and the states of motion of Object 1 and Object 2 on the ramp.

1. If Object 1 was released first, by the time Object 2 is released, Object 1 would have had more time to accelerate down the ramp. This means Object 1 is likely moving faster than Object 2 when Object 2 is released.

2. 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 are identical (having the same mass), the object with the greater velocity will have the higher kinetic energy.

3. If Object 2 has just been released, it initially has zero velocity at that moment, hence its kinetic energy is zero.

4. Therefore, Object 1, which has been in motion longer and has gained speed, will have a higher kinetic energy compared to Object 2.

Given this reasoning, the correct answer is:

Object 1 has the highest kinetic energy.