Geometric Progression: Ball Bouncing Distance Calculation | Homework Solution

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In summary, the problem involves a ball being dropped vertically from height h onto a flat surface and returning to height h/3^n after each bounce. The total distance traveled by the ball can be found using the formula Sum (infinity) = a/(1-r), where r is the ratio of the height of each bounce to the previous one and a is the initial height. However, since the ball will also have to drop to the ground from height h/3^n again, the total distance traveled is twice the distance traveled after each bounce, except when n = 0. Therefore, the answer is 2h.
  • #1
Chewy0087
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Homework Statement


A ball is dropped vertically from height h onto a flat surface, after the nth bounce it returns to high h / 3^n. Find the total distance traveled by the ball.


Homework Equations



Sum (infinity) = [tex]\frac{a}{1 - r}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't see the problem,

r is 1/3, a is h,

[tex]\frac{h}{ 2/3 }[/tex]= 1.5h, however the problem is I'm told the answer is 2h.

Any help would be appreciated
 
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  • #2
If it bounces to height h/3^n, it will also have to drop to the ground from height h/3^n again. So it always travels this distance twice, except when n = 0.
 
  • #3
Gotcha, thank you.
 

1. What is a geometric progression?

A geometric progression is a sequence of numbers where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant number called the common ratio. For example, in the sequence 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, the common ratio is 2.

2. How is geometric progression used in ball bouncing distance calculation?

Geometric progression is used in ball bouncing distance calculation because the distance the ball travels with each bounce follows a geometric progression. This is because each bounce is a multiple of the previous bounce, and the common ratio is the coefficient of elasticity of the ball.

3. What factors affect the ball bouncing distance?

The factors that affect the ball bouncing distance include the coefficient of elasticity of the ball, the initial height from which the ball is dropped, and the surface on which the ball bounces.

4. How is the formula for ball bouncing distance derived?

The formula for ball bouncing distance can be derived by using the geometric progression formula, which is a_n = a_0 * r^n, where a_n is the nth term, a_0 is the initial term, and r is the common ratio. By setting a_n equal to the maximum distance the ball can travel and solving for n, the formula d = h * r^(n-1) can be obtained, where d is the maximum distance, h is the initial height, and r is the coefficient of elasticity.

5. Can the formula for ball bouncing distance be used for any shape and size of ball?

No, the formula for ball bouncing distance is specific to spherical balls. Different shapes and sizes of balls will have different formulas for calculating their bouncing distance.

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