ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Bouncing stones

Hey kiddo, have you ever thrown a pebble or a small rock into the water and noticed how it bounces on the surface before finally sinking? That's called "bouncing stones."

When we throw a small and flat rock into the water, it pushes the water molecules out of the way, making a little splash. The rock then comes in contact with the surface of the water, which pushes it back up before gravity pulls it down again. This continuous up-and-down motion of the rock on the surface of the water is what causes it to bounce.

The stones that bounce the most are usually flat and thin. They have a greater surface area, which allows them to make more contact with the water and bounce multiple times. If we try to throw a round rock, it will not be able to make much contact with the water's surface and will sink quickly.

Bouncing stones can also depend on the angle and the speed at which they are thrown. If we throw the stone too hard, it might sink instead of bouncing. On the other hand, if we throw it too soft, it won't make it to the surface.

Overall, bouncing stones is a fun little game that can be enjoyed by anyone who has a body of water nearby. It's an exciting way to spend time and enjoy the beauty of nature!
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