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 that both spheres experience the exact same amount of force during a collision, the best option is:

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

This option ensures that both spheres will experience a collision with an equal force since they are moving towards each other with the same speed and will impart the same momentum upon collision. The mass and structure of the spheres will affect how they respond to the force, but the force experienced by each sphere during the collision will be equal if they are rolled with the same initial conditions.

The other options (A, B, and D) could introduce variables such as differing speeds, angles, or additional forces, making it less likely for both spheres to experience the same force during the collision.