Final answer:
Wrapping the head of a hammer in cloth dampens the vibrations and energy transfer upon impact, which produces a quieter sound when the hammer strikes the metal pole.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Renee hits the metal pole with a steel hammer, the hard surfaces of the hammer and pole allow for efficient transfer of energy, which produces a loud sound. Upon wrapping the head of the hammer in cloth and striking the pole with the same force, the cloth acts as a dampener, reducing the energy transfer and thus resulting in a quieter sound. This is due to the cloth absorbing some of the vibration energy that would otherwise contribute to the sound wave's amplitude, which is directly related to its loudness. In physics, this reduction of amplitude and energy transfer is why a cloth-covered hammer hitting a pole will produce a quieter sound.
When Renee hits the metal pole with the cloth-covered hammer, the type of sound produced is likely to be muffled or dampened compared to the loud, sharp sound produced by the uncovered steel hammer. The cloth on the hammer acts as a dampening material, absorbing and dispersing some of the energy generated during the impact. This dampening effect reduces the intensity and high-frequency components of the sound waves produced upon contact with the metal pole.
In essence, the cloth absorbs and dissipates the energy that would otherwise contribute to a more resonant and reverberating sound when hitting the pole directly with the uncovered steel hammer. The result is a sound that is less sharp and more subdued. This phenomenon is commonly observed when attempting to reduce the noise level or impact of striking surfaces by introducing materials that absorb or dampen vibrations.