Mechanics: Bouncing Balls

PIRA Class: 1R40.10

Purpose:
To demonstrate variations in how much mechanical energy is converted to thermal energy in collisions for different balls.

Description:
Balls of various masses, materials, and sizes available for bouncing. Drop different balls from a fix height and observe the difference in their rebound height. Can also follow a single ball for multiple bounces to show that each rebound decreases by the same percentage.

Also have basketball and volley balls and an air pump. Can demonstrate how rebound height varies with the ball's inflation.

Equipment:
Bucket of balls, meter stick, optional: basketball/volley ball and pump

Location:
Shelf 132 (bucket of balls), 131 (sports balls + pump), 115 (tennis balls)