Re: [Phys-l] Crater Help

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

At 01:17 PM 2/9/2007, you wrote:
> I'm trying to run a lab with some conceptual physics students (freshmen)
> about crater formation (crater characteristics and their relationship to
> KE/gPE of the "meteorite"), but am having trouble getting anything other
> than deeper/less deep craters with heavier/lighter balls.  From the talk
> on webpages discussing the various incarnations of this experiment, I am
> also expecting to get some wider/narrower craters.  All of my craters are
> almost exactly the width of the balls.  I'm using uncompacted flour.  Any
> hints?
> Thanks,
>
> Josh Gates
> Stoneleigh-Burnham School
> Greenfield, MA


I wanted to say thanks for this splendid experimental question - which
 in the space of a handful of responses gave a reference, an expression
for the relation between variables, suggestions for experimental layout
 and the crucial depth for the substrate.
Then there was the hint of explosive ejecta, about which too much
cannot be said.



Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!