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?

Multiple choice question.
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A)
The spheres are dropped to the floor by the same person.

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B)
The spheres are thrown against a wall by the same person.

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C)
The spheres are rolled toward each other and collide with each other.

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D)
The spheres are rolled toward the same wall and collide with the wall.

Answer 1

To ensure both spheres experience the exact same amount of force during a collision, the method of collision must be controlled so that both spheres are subjected to the same conditions. Let's analyze each option:

A) The spheres are dropped to the floor by the same person.

• This scenario involves an uncontrolled drop, and the force upon impact would depend on the height from which they are dropped, which could vary.

B) The spheres are thrown against a wall by the same person.

• This option also varies, as the force depends on how hard each sphere is thrown, which may not be identical.

C) The spheres are rolled toward each other and collide with each other.

• The forces experienced by each sphere would depend on their speeds at the point of collision, which could vary.

D) The spheres are rolled toward the same wall and collide with the wall.

• This option ensures that both spheres roll towards the same wall and experience the same conditions of impact.

The best choice is D), as it guarantees that both spheres will experience the same amount of force during their collision with the wall.