You have a tiny slip of paper and a large rectangular wooden block. If you put both of them side-by-side and drop the two to the floor from the same height, the block gets to the floor first. Can you think of (and describe) three “simple” ways (using nothing, absolutely nothing, but the two objects, and not in special rooms, with wind, with fancy equipment, etc.) to ensure that the two objects will fall to the floor in the same time?
wrap the paper around the block.
put paper on block
Certainly! Here are three simple ways to ensure that the wooden block and the slip of paper will fall to the floor at the same time, using only the two objects:
1. Attach the slip of paper to the wooden block: Take the tiny slip of paper and securely attach it to the wooden block using an adhesive such as glue or tape. By physically connecting the two objects, they will essentially become a single combined object. When you drop them together, they will fall and reach the ground at the same time.
2. Place the slip of paper on top of the wooden block: Instead of attaching the slip of paper to the wooden block, simply place the slip of paper on top of the rectangular block. Make sure it is aligned on the surface of the block. When you drop them both simultaneously, the wooden block will fall and the slip of paper will stay on top due to the friction between the two objects. As a result, they will still reach the floor at the same time.
3. Hold the slip of paper against the wooden block: Another way to ensure the two objects fall together is by holding the slip of paper against the wooden block as you drop them. Press the slip of paper firmly against the flat side of the block using your fingers. By doing this, you are essentially eliminating any separation between the two objects. They will fall as one, and therefore reach the floor simultaneously.
By employing these methods, you can ensure that both the wooden block and the slip of paper fall to the floor at the same time, even though they have different characteristics.