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A weight is hanging from the end of a rope. The weight is pulled to one side and released. Which statement describes the energy of the weight immediately before it is released?

Zero kinetic energy and zero potential energy

Zero kinetic energy, maximum potential energy

Some potential energy and some kinetic energy

Zero potential energy, maximum kinetic energy

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Final answer:

The weight has zero kinetic energy and maximum potential energy immediately before it is released, as it's at its maximum height with no motion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy of the weight immediately before it is released can be described as having zero kinetic energy and maximum potential energy.

This is because the weight, which is pulled to the side and then held there, is at a maximum height relative to its lowest possible position (when it is at its equilibrium position or ground level). In this state, it has no velocity, thus no kinetic energy, but it has the highest amount of potential energy it can have in this system because potential energy is at its maximum at the highest point in a gravitational field.

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