Student Depth of Object in Sand (cm) Maddie 1.8 Naveed 4.0 Two students drop an object into sand from a height of 1.5 meters. They record the depth of the hole made in the sand by each student’s object. What is the most likely explanation for the results? (1 point) Responses Maddie’s object had a faster drop speed. Maddie’s object had a faster drop speed. Naveed’s object had greater kinetic energy. Naveed’s object had greater kinetic energy. Maddie’s object has a smaller width. Maddie’s object has a smaller width. Naveed’s object has less mass.

Answer 1

The most likely explanation for the results is that "Naveed’s object had greater kinetic energy."

This is because the depth of the hole made in the sand would depend on the kinetic energy imparted to the object at the moment of impact. Assuming both objects were dropped from the same height (1.5 meters), the object with greater mass (if Naveed's object indeed is heavier) would have greater kinetic energy upon impact, leading to a deeper hole in the sand.

The other responses do not directly explain the depth recorded, as drop speed alone does not account for kinetic energy without considering mass, and the width would influence how the force is distributed but not necessarily the total impact energy in the context of depth.