A student drops a basketball into a pool from a height of 5 meters while a friend records the approximate splash height. They want to make a bigger splash in their next trial. How can they achieve this

1 answer

To make a bigger splash in their next trial while dropping the basketball into a pool, the student can try the following techniques:

1. Increase the drop height: Dropping the basketball from a higher point will result in a larger splash. The student can climb to a higher elevation, such as standing on a ladder or platform, and drop the basketball from there.

2. Increase the force: The force with which the basketball hits the water affects the size of the splash. The student can throw or push the basketball downward with more strength to generate a bigger splash.

3. Change the angle: Altering the angle at which the basketball enters the water can create a different splash effect. For instance, if the ball is dropped straight down, it creates a relatively concentrated splash. However, if the ball is thrown at a slight angle, it will create a more spread-out or bigger splash.

4. Change the shape of the ball: Utilizing a ball with a larger surface area, such as a beach ball or a larger-sized basketball, can result in a bigger splash. The increased size of the ball will displace more water upon entry, leading to a larger splash.

5. Add extra objects: By incorporating additional objects into the drop, the student can increase the overall impact and create a bigger splash. For example, they can place multiple balls together, attach weights, or tie objects to the ball to enhance the splash effect.

6. Create other impacts: The student can try experimenting with different techniques to create more impacts upon entry. They can bounce the basketball off a surface before it falls into the water, attempting to produce a greater splash.

It is important to note that safety precautions should be taken while conducting these experiments. The student should consider any potential hazards and ensure a suitable environment for the experiment.