Read the following case and answer the following questions:
As part of a science investigation, a group of students conducted an experiment using a heavy metal ball and a container filled with loose sand. First, they dropped the ball from a height of \(1\ metre\) onto the sand and observed that a small depression was formed. They then dropped the same ball from a height of \(2\ metres\) and noticed that the depression was much deeper.
The students concluded that the height from which the ball was dropped affected the depth of the depression. Their teacher explained that the ball stored gravitational potential energy while it was held above the sand. As the ball fell, this stored energy changed into kinetic energy. When the ball struck the sand, the kinetic energy was transferred to the sand, pushing the sand particles aside and creating a depression. A small amount of energy was also released as sound and heat during the impact.
The students concluded that the height from which the ball was dropped affected the depth of the depression. Their teacher explained that the ball stored gravitational potential energy while it was held above the sand. As the ball fell, this stored energy changed into kinetic energy. When the ball struck the sand, the kinetic energy was transferred to the sand, pushing the sand particles aside and creating a depression. A small amount of energy was also released as sound and heat during the impact.
1. Why does the ball move faster as it falls towards the sand?
2. The ball finally comes to rest after hitting the sand. What happens to its kinetic energy?
3. If the same ball is dropped onto a concrete floor instead of loose sand, what is the most likely observation?
4. A lighter ball and a heavier ball are dropped from the same height onto loose sand. Both have the same size. Which ball is likely to produce the deeper depression?