Question 3
Work in groups to investigate the impact craters formed by different objects. You will need a box containing flour with a thin upper layer of cocoa powder, which represents Earth’s crust. You will also need a marble, tennis ball and ball bearing, which represent asteroids of different sizes and masses.
1. Measure and record the masses and diameters of the objects – marble, tennis ball and ball bearing.
2. Hold each object, one at a time, 50 cm above the box containing the flour and cocoa powder. Then release it.
3. Measure the size and depth of the impact crater created by each object.
4. Take videos of the formation of the impact craters, if possible. View the videos at a slower speed. Observe the debris that was ejected from the impact each time.
5. What can you conclude about the mass and size of the object that caused the most impact?
Caution: Do this investigation outside, in an open area. Make sure that there is no one near the box when you throw or drop the items. Wear your safety goggles.
1. Measure and record the masses and diameters of the objects – marble, tennis ball and ball bearing.
2. Hold each object, one at a time, 50 cm above the box containing the flour and cocoa powder. Then release it.
3. Measure the size and depth of the impact crater created by each object.
4. Take videos of the formation of the impact craters, if possible. View the videos at a slower speed. Observe the debris that was ejected from the impact each time.
5. What can you conclude about the mass and size of the object that caused the most impact?
Caution: Do this investigation outside, in an open area. Make sure that there is no one near the box when you throw or drop the items. Wear your safety goggles.
