Final answer:
A 2 kg rock dropped from a height of 30 meters will generate 588 Joules of heat energy when it hits the ground, due to the conservation of energy and assuming no energy losses.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the amount of heat energy generated when a 2 kg rock is dropped from a height of 30 meters and hits the ground, we can use the principle of conservation of energy. The potential energy (PE) the rock has at the height of 30 meters will be converted into kinetic energy (KE) just before it hits the ground. The formula to calculate the potential energy is PE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is the height.
PE = 2 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 30 m = 588 Joules
The rock's descent will transform its potential energy into kinetic energy. Upon impact, assuming no energy is lost to the air resistance or any other form of energy, this kinetic energy will be converted into heat energy and other forms.
Thus, the correct answer is a) 588 Joules of heat energy generated when the rock hits the ground.