Can I Use Calculus to Explore the Results of My Bouncing Ball Experiment?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on using calculus to analyze the results of a bouncing ball experiment, where a linear relationship between drop height and bounce height was established. The participant seeks to explore additional insights from the data beyond predicting bounce heights, specifically in relation to calculus applications. Suggestions include examining the potential and kinetic energies of the ball at each bounce, which could provide a deeper understanding of energy conservation principles. The relevance of Newton's Third Law is also mentioned, indicating its connection to the forces involved in the bouncing process. Overall, the conversation encourages further exploration of physics concepts linked to the experiment's findings.
iamBevan
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Hi guys - recently in college we have done an experiment where we drop a ball from 10 different heights, and recorded the bounce height. Obviously all the results were tabulated, and then a graph produced. It turns out that the graph is linear, and I have worked out y=mx+c, so am able to predict the bounce height with just the initial height.

I was just wondering if there is anything else I can explore from the results, other than just predicting the bounce height? Is there anything I can do that would test my calculus?

(I'm living in the UK, so when I say college I mean A-Levels)

Thanks!

P.S. Also I am wondering how this fits in with Newton's Laws. I'm guessing his Third Law has particular relevance here?
 
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Sorry, not sure how to delete this post - I have reposted in the homework section...
 
How about the Potential and Kinetic energies (if you haven't done that already) of the ball at every bounce?
 

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