Comparing Ball Performance: Basketball & Soccer

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

1. How many times does the ball bounce?
2. For what length of time does the ball bounce?
3. From what initial height is the ball dropped?
4. How high does the ball bounce each time? Make a table listing the values, in order.
5. What is the difference between sequential heights? Add these to the table.
6. How far does the ball drift in the x direction?

Discussion Questions

1. How many times does the ball bounce?
2. For what length of time does the ball bounce?
3. From what initial height is the ball dropped?
4. How high does the ball bounce each time? Make a table listing the values, in order.
5. What is the difference between sequential heights? Add these to the table.
6. How far does the ball drift in the x direction?

Comparison Questions

1. Which ball is larger?
2. Which ball has more mass?
3. Which ball bounces more times?
4. Which ball bounces longer in time?
5. Which ball is dropped from the higher point?
6. Which ball drifts further in the x direction?

Additional Information

Schottenbauer Publishing

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