The differing depths of the holes made in the sand by the two students, despite both dropping the object from the same height of 1.5 meters, can be attributed to several possible explanations:
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Mass of the Object: One possible explanation is that the first student dropped an object with less mass (and possibly less momentum upon impact) than the second student's object. Heavier objects tend to create deeper impressions in softer materials like sand.
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Shape and Surface Area of the Object: The shape and surface area of the objects could significantly influence how they interact with the sand upon impact. An object with a pointed or sharp edge might penetrate deeper than a flat or broad object, which could spread out the force of the impact and create a shallower hole.
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Drop Technique and Angle of Impact: The way the object was dropped can also cause variations in the depth of the holes. If the second student’s object was dropped straight down with more force (e.g., if the object was dropped more forcefully or at a different angle), it could penetrate deeper into the sand.
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Sand Conditions: Variations in the sand conditions (e.g., moisture level, compactness, or grain size) at the two locations could lead to differences in how deep each object goes. If one spot was more compact or damp, it might resist penetration more than a loose or dry area of sand.
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Previous Impacts: If either student dropped their object into a previously disturbed area of sand (from other tests or impacts), the sand might behave differently, leading to varying results in depth.
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Measurement Error: There may be a possibility of measurement error or inconsistency in how the depths were recorded by the students. It's essential to ensure that both students are measuring their results in the same way.
In summary, a combination of physical properties of the objects, the manner in which they were dropped, environmental conditions, and measurement techniques could all play a role in the observed differences in hole depth.
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