Ball sports require many different types of balls, each with various characteristics. These properties can be examined by the scientific method. Consider the following table, excerpted and edited from Volume 4 of Bounce, Roll, & Fly: The Science of Balls from Schottenbauer Publishing.
Discussion Questions
- How many times does the ball bounce?
- For what length of time does the ball bounce?
- From what initial height is the ball dropped?
- How high does the ball bounce each time? Make a table listing the values, in order.
- What is the difference between sequential heights? Add these to the table.
- How far does the ball drift in the x direction?
Discussion Questions
- How many times does the ball bounce?
- For what length of time does the ball bounce?
- From what initial height is the ball dropped?
- How high does the ball bounce each time? Make a table listing the values, in order.
- What is the difference between sequential heights? Add these to the table.
- How far does the ball drift in the x direction?
Comparison Questions
- Which ball is larger?
- Which ball has more mass?
- Which ball bounces more times?
- Which ball bounces longer in time?
- Which ball is dropped from the higher point?
- Which ball drifts further in the x direction?
Although most sports balls will bounce when hitting hard surfaces, not all balls have such properties. Clay balls, for example, may either bounce or stick, depending on the consistency of clay. Some clay balls may even shatter upon contact, due to fragility.
In order to compare bouncing and sticking properties of various types of balls, consider the following graph, excerpted from Bounce, Roll, & Fly: The Science of Balls, Volume 8 from Schottenbauer Publishing.
Discussion Questions
- What is the initial position of each ball? Write the coordinates in terms of (x, y) pairs.
- Which ball is initially higher?
- Which ball falls faster? Why is this the case?
- What is the time difference between points of contact with the wood?
- Do both balls bounce? Cite data from the graph to answer the question. What is the height of bounce?
