The table is more reactive than the cushion. The table vibrates more than the cushion. The table is more insulated than the cushion. The table has more potential energy than the cushion.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: When a spoon hits a table, it makes a loud sound. When the spoon hits a soft cushion, it does not make a sound. What is the difference between the table and the cushion that accounts for the sound?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- The table is more reactive than the cushion.
- The table vibrates more than the cushion.
- The table is more insulated than the cushion.
- The table has more potential energy than the cushion.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

The table vibrates more than the cushion.