Two students drop an object into the sand from a height of 6.7 meters. They record the depth of the hole made by each object. What is the most likely explanation for the results? The depth of Sammy’s object was 4.2 and the depth of Jenny’s was 1.7
(1 point)
Responses
Sammy's object was moving faster when it hit the ground
Jenny's object had more potential energy before it was dropped.
Sammy's object had more kinetic energy when it hit the ground.
Jenny's object had less mass.
I think the answer is Sammy's object because it had more kinetic energy when it hit the ground, but I am unsure. Can you help confirm or say no?
Yes, you are correct. Sammy's object had more kinetic energy when it hit the ground. The depth of the hole made by an object dropped from a certain height is generally determined by its kinetic energy upon impact. As Sammy's object had a greater depth (4.2) compared to Jenny's object (1.7), it suggests that Sammy's object had more kinetic energy and therefore was likely moving faster when it hit the ground.
Yes, you are correct. Sammy's object had more kinetic energy when it hit the ground compared to Jenny's. This is indicated by the fact that Sammy's object created a deeper hole in the sand (4.2 meters) compared to Jenny's (1.7 meters). Kinetic energy depends on both the mass and velocity of an object, so it is likely that Sammy's object had either a larger mass or a greater velocity (or a combination of both) compared to Jenny's object. Therefore, the most likely explanation for the results is that Sammy's object was moving faster when it hit the ground.
To determine the most likely explanation for the results, we need to use the concepts of potential and kinetic energy.
Potential energy, denoted as PE, is the energy an object possesses due to its position or condition. It depends on factors such as height and mass. The formula for potential energy is PE = mgh, where m represents the mass of the object, g represents the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2), and h represents the height.
Kinetic energy, denoted as KE, is the energy possessed by an object in motion. It depends on factors such as mass and velocity. The formula for kinetic energy is KE = (1/2)mv^2, where m represents the mass of the object and v represents the velocity.
Comparing the depths of the holes made by Sammy's and Jenny's objects, we see that Sammy's object made a deeper hole (4.2 meters) compared to Jenny's object (1.7 meters).
Now, let's analyze the options given:
1. "Sammy's object was moving faster when it hit the ground" - This statement is plausible because if Sammy's object had a higher velocity, it would possess more kinetic energy, potentially resulting in a deeper hole upon impact.
2. "Jenny's object had more potential energy before it was dropped" - This statement is not supported by the information provided. The potential energy of an object depends on its height, and both objects were dropped from the same height (6.7 meters).
3. "Sammy's object had more kinetic energy when it hit the ground" - This statement aligns with the potential explanation mentioned in option 1. If Sammy's object had a higher velocity, it would indeed have more kinetic energy upon impact.
4. "Jenny's object had less mass" - The information regarding the masses of the objects is not given, so we cannot conclude that Jenny's object had less mass.
Based on the given information and analysis, it is reasonable to conclude that Sammy's object had more kinetic energy when it hit the ground. Therefore, you are correct in selecting the statement: "Sammy's object had more kinetic energy when it hit the ground."