Why Does a Marble Fall Faster in a Pool Than in a Narrow Tube?

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SUMMARY

A marble falls faster in a swimming pool than in a narrow tube due to the difference in water displacement dynamics. In a pool, the marble can displace water freely, allowing for quicker descent. Conversely, in a narrow tube, the confined space restricts water flow and displacement, creating resistance that slows the marble's fall. This phenomenon is similar to the behavior of a ping-pong ball in a tube compared to an open environment, where confinement alters the effects of external forces.

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ultraviolent
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Can anyone give me an explanation of why a marble dropped into a swimming pool will fall faster than if you drop a marble into a water filled tube with a diameter only slightly larger than the marble itself (presume it doesn't touch the walls of the tube). It's something to do with how quickly water can be displaced, but I can't come up with a good explanation.

Thanks,
 
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You're pretty much there. Try thinking of a similar but different scenario. What would be the effect of setting off a firecracker beside a ping-pong ball as opposed to putting them both into a narrow tube and lighting it? Why?
 
Thanks, I understand now :)
 

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