Marcus wants to test the effect of gravity on objects with different masses. He drops two footballs from a first-floor window, a second-floor window, and a third-floor window. In each case, he times how long it takes the footballs to reach the ground. What is wrong with his experiment’s design?(1 point)

Question

Responses

It does not include objects with different shapes.
It does not include objects with different shapes.

It does not include objects with different masses.
It does not include objects with different masses.

The windows are not high enough to show significant differences in drop times.
The windows are not high enough to show significant differences in drop times.

The drops are not repeated.

Answer 1

The primary flaw in Marcus's experiment's design is that he drops two footballs, which are identical in shape and mass. Therefore, one of the best responses is:

It does not include objects with different shapes.

This choice highlights that the experiment lacks variation in object characteristics, which is crucial for testing the effect of gravity on different masses and shapes. However, if we consider the purpose of testing gravity's effect on mass alone, then another acceptable response could be:

It does not include objects with different masses.

Both choices point out important aspects of the experimental design, but focusing on shapes leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of gravity beyond mass alone.