Calculating a velocity formula using air resistance

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a practical investigation into how drop height affects the coefficient of restitution of a ball, with findings indicating that the coefficient decreases as height increases, contrary to theoretical expectations. The hypothesis suggests that increased air resistance at greater heights may be influencing the results, introducing a second independent variable. To validate the experiment, a formula is needed that incorporates air resistance to accurately calculate the ball's velocity during its drop and bounce. Participants suggest using a quadratic drag assumption and discuss the need for a differential equation to derive the velocity under these conditions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of isolating variables and accurately modeling the forces acting on the ball to achieve valid results.
NickMitch
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Homework Statement
I am conducting an in-class practical investigation where I am investigating whether altering the drop height of a ball will affect the coefficient of restitution.
I have completed all the trials however, the data suggest that the coefficient of restitution decreases as the height increases, subverting the theoretical results initially proposed. I hypothesised that this was due to the air resistance that the ball encounters and that as the height increases, so does the air resistance. For this experiment to be valid, there would need to be only one independent variable but now, there are two (drop height and air resistance).
To make a valid experiment, I would need a formula that integrates air resistance to calculate the velocity of the initial and final bounce height of the ball when dropped, forming the coefficient of restitution.
What can this formula be and how can it be derived from other formulas?
Relevant Equations
K = mg/v2
V = root2gh
Yeah, not sure what to do
 
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NickMitch said:
Problem Statement: I am conducting an in-class practical investigation where I am investigating whether altering the drop height of a ball will affect the coefficient of restitution.
I have completed all the trials however, the data suggest that the coefficient of restitution decreases as the height increases, subverting the theoretical results initially proposed. I hypothesised that this was due to the air resistance that the ball encounters and that as the height increases, so does the air resistance. For this experiment to be valid, there would need to be only one independent variable but now, there are two (drop height and air resistance).
To make a valid experiment, I would need a formula that integrates air resistance to calculate the velocity of the initial and final bounce height of the ball when dropped, forming the coefficient of restitution.
What can this formula be and how can it be derived from other formulas?
Relevant Equations: K = mg/v2
V = root2gh

Yeah, not sure what to do
It could also be that the coefficient is less at higher impact speeds. See e.g. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/36/1/012038/pdf, near the bottom of page 2.

For drag, probably should assume quadratic. Can you write the differential equation for the speed?
 
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Do you know formula that can integrate air resistance to find velocity?
Possible methods to find that would also help.
Keep in mind, this is year 11 physics
 
NickMitch said:
Possible equation?
Not sure what you are asking. Are you asking me to provide the equation?
I think you can make an attempt. Suppose the drag force is cv2 where v is the velocity and c is some constant. What is the sum of forces on the falling ball? What is the resulting acceleration?
 
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