Which drop of water has more force to hit ground?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparative force of two water drops hitting the ground, originating from two different glasses. The drop from "glass 2," which falls directly, possesses greater momentum and speed upon impact, resulting in a higher force when it strikes the ground. In contrast, the drop from "glass 1" travels along a wire, losing speed and mass due to evaporation and other factors, leading to a reduced impact force. This analysis highlights the importance of initial conditions and transit methods in determining the force of falling objects.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as momentum and force
  • Familiarity with the principles of gravity and free fall
  • Knowledge of evaporation and its effects on mass
  • Basic comprehension of surface tension and its impact on liquids
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which drop of water has more "force" to hit ground?

wish to know which drop of water has more "force" when hitting ground?

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/9831/image20nh.png

and perhaps some "simple" explanation why you think so.
thank you :)
 
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If we are to assume that the water from "glass 1" slides along the wire until it reaches the end, then it will slide slowly. At the point where it leaves the wire, it will have less speed than the drop that has fallen directly from the glass so will have less speed and less momentum when it hits the ground. The drop from glass 2, having more momentum, will hit the ground with greater force.
 
If the drops start with equal size then the drop that travels along the wire will have less mass when it hits the bottom because more of it will evaporate due to its longer transit time (to say nothing about surface tension and "wetting" effects on the wire).
 

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