Students are investigating two steel spheres with the same diameter. One sphere is solid, and the other is hollow. The students hypothesize that the solid sphere is less likely to dent during a collision than the hollow sphere. Both spheres must experience the exact same amount of force during the collision so that the investigation is valid.

Question

Which investigation makes both spheres experience the exact same amount of force during a collision?

Answer 1

To ensure that both spheres experience the exact same amount of force during a collision, the students can conduct a controlled drop test where both spheres are dropped from the same height onto a rigid surface.

Here’s how they would set up the investigation:

1. Same Drop Height: Both spheres should be dropped from the same vertical height so that they accelerate under the influence of gravity and experience the same force upon collision with the surface.

2. Use of Timing Devices: They could use a timing device to ensure that each sphere is released at the same time and from the same position.

3. Measuring Force: To measure the force experienced by each sphere, students could use a force sensor or pressure sensor placed on the rigid surface to capture the impact force of each sphere upon collision.

4. Identical Conditions: The test should be conducted under the same environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, wind, etc.) to avoid any external factors affecting the results.

Through this method, both spheres will experience the same gravitational force when dropped, leading to the same impact force upon collision. This controlled setup allows the students to validate their hypothesis regarding the denting behavior of the solid versus hollow sphere under identical force conditions.