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 create a bigger splash in their next trial, the student and their friend can consider several approaches:

  1. Increase the Drop Height: Dropping the basketball from a greater height will increase its velocity upon impact, leading to a more significant splash. If possible, they could find a higher vantage point to drop the ball from.

  2. Change the Ball's Mass: Using a heavier basketball or a different type of ball that is denser may cause a larger splash. However, they must ensure that the ball is still safe to use in the pool.

  3. Modify the Ball's Shape: A ball with a different shape or surface texture might create a bigger splash. Experimenting with inflatable or softer balls that can displace more water upon entry could be interesting.

  4. Drop Multiple Balls Simultaneously: They could drop multiple basketballs at the same time, which would displace more water and create a larger splash collectively.

  5. Change the Entry Angle: Dropping the basketball at an angle rather than straight down may help distribute the force of impact differently, potentially leading to a larger splash.

  6. Create a Splash Aid: They could use a device to drop the ball that allows it to fall faster or hit the water at a predetermined angle to maximize splash size.

  7. Alter Water Conditions: Changing the conditions of the water, such as the temperature, can affect how the splash behaves. A slightly shallower pool might also enhance the splash effect.

  8. Timing of Drop: Experimenting with the timing of the drop in relation to the pool's surface conditions (e.g., wind or ripples) might influence the size and form of the splash.

By experimenting with these different variables, they should be able to achieve a more impressive splash in their next trial!