Which object has the least amount of kinetic energy? a picture of a spinning top. a picture of a golf ball on a grass covered hill in sunlight. a picture of a person filling a glass of water from the faucet to overflowing. a picture of a roller coaster train half way down the first hill of a roller coaster track.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The object with the least amount of kinetic energy is the golf ball on a grass-covered hill in sunlight.
Explanation:
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion and is calculated using the formula:
[
KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2
]
where:
- (KE) is kinetic energy,
- (m) is the mass of the object, and
- (v) is its velocity (speed).
Now, let’s break down the objects in the question to compare their kinetic energies:
- Spinning top: A spinning top has some kinetic energy because it is in motion, rotating about its axis. The top is likely spinning at a moderate speed, so it has a significant amount of kinetic energy due to its angular velocity.
- Golf ball on a grass-covered hill in sunlight: In this scenario, the golf ball is stationary. Since kinetic energy depends on motion, if the ball is not moving (not rolling or being struck), its velocity is zero. Therefore, its kinetic energy is also zero or negligible.
- Person filling a glass of water from a faucet to overflowing: In this case, the person is moving the water, which implies motion. The person might be lifting and pouring the water, and the water is also in motion, falling into the glass. This motion means the system (person, water, and glass) has some kinetic energy, though it’s likely less than the roller coaster train.
- Roller coaster train halfway down the first hill of the track: This train is in motion and traveling at high speed. As it moves down the hill, it has both kinetic energy (due to its speed) and potential energy (due to its height). The kinetic energy of the train at this point is likely much higher than the others, as it is moving quickly.
Thus, the golf ball is the object with the least amount of kinetic energy because it is stationary and has no velocity.