An Object That Is Initially at Rest Breaks Up into Two

Multiple Choice

An object that is initially at rest breaks up into two pieces of unequal masses when a spring-loaded device is released. If you compare the kinetic energy of the larger mass to that of the smaller mass immediately after they separate, which of the following statements is correct?

A) The kinetic energy of the larger mass is greater.
B) The kinetic energy of the smaller mass is greater.
C) The kinetic energies of the two masses are equal.
D) The total kinetic energy is zero J.