2007-06-26 04:10:23 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
This question is not actually as easy to answer as it seems. In addition to the obvious questions (how heavy is the snowball, how densely packed, etc.), there are various additional factors that need to be taken into account.
First, there is air resistance. Every object has a so-called "terminal velocity", which is essentially the greatest speed that it can get from just falling. At a certain speed, the air resistance becomes so great that it cannot go any faster, even if gravity is pulling it.
Second, there is the friction, as correctly pointed out by a previous poster. Snow melts at 0°C, so a bit of friction can actually heat it enough to cause it to melt. This raises many new questions, such as whether it will melt entirely or only partially before it reaches the dog, and whether the molten snow (i.e. the water) will dissipate or even evaporate, or whether it will hit the dog as well.
Third, when the snow hits the dog, the snowball's elasticity will play a role. Snow is very elastic and will fall into pieces easily. As a result, much of the snow will be pushed sideways and not directly contribute to the force acting on the dog's head.
Lastly, of course, one would have to consider how "tough" the dog's head is, i.e. how strong an impact it can withstand. This is probably different for various breeds of dog and how old the dog is etc.
Taken together, I would conclude that the answer is: it depends.
2007-06-26 04:24:53 · answer #1 · answered by Timwi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The snowball probably has a terminal velocity (greatest velocity an object can reach) of 150-200 miles per hour. Humans have a terminal veloctity around 150 mph.
So my guess this snowball could crush a dog head.
2007-06-26 11:16:40 · answer #2 · answered by zippythewonderslugohio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the density of the snowball, and it's mass...
Assuming you get sufficient mass, and sufficient density...it is possible. Greater density would increase the terminal velocity of the snowball.
A loosley packed snowball would reach a terminal velocity at which point the air resistance would likely split the snowball into one or more smaller pieces, which would also reduce the amount of mass in the collision with a dog's head..
2007-06-26 11:25:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, because as it fell the air friction would cause heat which would melt it!
I can't believe any one is answering this question seriously, this person is a nutter! The snowball will melt and the Sun is far too hot to be landed on! Just ignore them and they might go away!
2007-06-26 11:13:30 · answer #4 · answered by Dunk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
but if you drop a dog off a tall building it would crush a snowman
2007-06-26 11:17:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it would be no different that if you threw it really hard at the dog - i.e. it would hurt but not crush.
2007-06-26 11:17:05 · answer #6 · answered by Robin the Electrocuted 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it could hit it or you if you were standing there with enough force to fracture the skull.
2007-06-26 12:19:44 · answer #7 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes i believe so but why a dogs head???
2007-06-26 11:13:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lets try it with you underneath hey.
2007-06-26 11:13:34 · answer #9 · answered by WIRED 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how 'bout you try it, and see what happens.
2007-06-26 11:20:39 · answer #10 · answered by la j 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋