A heavy rock and a light rock are dropped from the same height and experience no significant air resistance as they fall. Which of the following statements about these rocks are correct? (There
Could be more than one correct choice.)
A) Just as they were released, both rocks had the same amount of gravitational potential energy.
B) When they reach the ground, the heavier rock has more kinetic energy than the lighter rock.
C) Both rocks have the same kinetic energy when they reach the ground.
D) The heavier rock reaches the ground before the lighter rock.
E) Both rocks have the same speed when they reach the ground.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When dropped from the same height, both rocks convert their gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy as they fall. The heavier rock has more gravitational potential energy initially due to its greater mass, resulting in more kinetic energy when it reaches the ground. However, both rocks fall at the same rate and have the same speed upon reaching the ground due to the acceleration due to gravity being constant for all objects.

A Heavy Rock and a Light Rock Are Dropped from the Same