Mass of ball (grams) Time to hit ground (seconds)
10 1.02
15 1.01
26 1.62
A student is investigating gravity and falling objects. She drops three balls and times how long it takes each ball to hit the ground. What is the most likely source of error?
A.) She did not measure the circumference of the balls.
B.) She did not measure the mass after the balls hit the ground.
C.) She used balls that are different sizes.
D.) She dropped the balls from different heights.
D.) She dropped the balls from different heights.
dropping balllzzz
The most likely source of error in this experiment is C.) She used balls that are different sizes.
By using balls of different sizes, the student is introducing an additional variable into the experiment that could affect the time it takes for each ball to hit the ground. The size of the balls can influence factors such as air resistance, which can impact the rate at which objects fall. To minimize this error, it would be important to use balls of the same size and shape in future experiments.
To determine the most likely source of error in the student's investigation, let's analyze the given information. The student drops three balls of different masses and records the time it takes for each ball to hit the ground.
Option A states that the student did not measure the circumference of the balls. While measuring the circumference might be useful for some experiments, it is not directly related to timing the falling objects. Therefore, option A is less likely to be the source of error in this case.
Option B suggests that the student did not measure the mass of the balls after they hit the ground. However, the mass of the balls is already given in the table. Therefore, option B is also unlikely to be the source of error.
Option C states that the student used balls of different sizes. This is a significant factor that could affect the experiment. The experiment assumes that the only variable affecting the time of falling is the mass of the balls. However, the size or shape of the balls could influence the air resistance acting on them. Different sizes of balls will experience different amounts of air resistance, potentially impacting the time taken to hit the ground. Therefore, option C is the most likely source of error in this experiment.
Option D suggests that the student dropped the balls from different heights, which would introduce another variable into the experiment. However, in the given information, there is no mention of changing the height from which the balls were dropped. Therefore, option D is unlikely to be the source of error in this case.
Based on the given information, option C is the most likely source of error in the student's investigation.