a simple energy question that needs answering.

[ruby_duby]

Explain what is happening to energy when a rubber ball is dropped and bounces.

What does the ball eventually stop bouncing?

Can anybody help me with this question?[g)]

[potential thinker]

the potential energy of the ball is being changed into kinetic, and it loses energy when it hits the floor every time. i think thats right?

[ceptimus]

With a perfectly elastic ball in a vacuum, it would bounce for ever:

gravitational PE <--> kinetic energy <--> spring (deformed elastic ball) PE

(PE = potential energy)

In reality, energy is lost in (at least) three ways: air resistance losses, sound energy, and heat energy when the ball is deformed.