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.

Answer 1

To determine which object has the highest kinetic energy, we need to consider their positions and velocities.

Kinetic energy (KE) is given by the formula:

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

where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity. Since the objects are identical, their masses are the same.

Assuming both objects are rolling down the ramp, the object that is further down the ramp at any given moment will generally have a higher velocity due to gravitational acceleration. Therefore, if Object 1 has already started moving and is further down the ramp compared to Object 2, Object 1 will likely have a higher velocity and thus greater kinetic energy.

If Object 2 has not yet started moving, it will have zero kinetic energy at that moment.

Without a specific diagram, if Object 1 is ahead and in motion while Object 2 is still at rest:

• Object 1 will have the highest kinetic energy.
• Object 2 will have zero kinetic energy.

Thus, the correct response would be:

Object 1