The Snowball Fight: More Than Just a Game
In the winter of 2013, Seattle, Washington was transformed into a snowy battlefield. Over 5,834 brave individuals gathered at Seattle Center to partake in the world's largest snowball fight, a spectacle that was organized as part of a charity event. The science behind a perfect snowball is fascinating. Snow needs to be near the freezing point so that it's sticky enough to pack into a ball. The best snowballs are often made from 'wet' snow, which falls when temperatures hover around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowball fights are not just an American tradition. They hold a significant place in cultures around the world. In fact, in Japan, they have a yearly event called Yukigassen, a competitive snowball fighting tournament that is taken very seriously! Snowball fights also offer a fun, practical experience in physics. The angle at which you throw your snowball, the force you apply, and the snowball's size and weight all impact its trajectory and speed. For instance, throwing a snowball in a straight line will make it follow a parabolic path, thanks to gravity. So, the next time you're in a snowball fight, remember: it's not just a game, but a lesson in science, a dip into world cultures, and a part of history!
Question 1
What is the meaning of 'Yukigassen'?
Snow sculpture
Ice festival
Winter holiday
Snowball fighting tournament
Snow parade
Question 2
What type of snow is best for making a snowball?
Dry snow
'Wet' snow
Slush
Snowflakes
Ice
Question 3
What factors impact the trajectory and speed of a snowball?
The color of the snowball
The temperature of the snowball
The angle and force of the throw, and the size and weight of the snowball
The time of day when the snowball is thrown
The number of people in the snowball fight
Question 4
Where was the world's largest snowball fight held?
New York
Tokyo
Alaska
Seattle Center
Greenland
Question 5
What does a snowball fight offer besides just fun?
A way to build snowmen
An opportunity to burn calories
A lesson in science, a dip into world cultures, and a part of history
A chance to improve snowboarding skills
A method for making ice cream
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