What Factors Influence the Equation for a Bouncing Ball's Range?

  • Thread starter Thread starter keishuu
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
To derive a general equation for the range of a bouncing ball, factors such as the coefficient of restitution, initial drop height, and the angle of impact should be considered. The discussion emphasizes the need for a theoretical approach rather than relying solely on software tools like Excel for curve fitting. Suggestions include analyzing the relationship between drop height and bounce distance through experimental data. The user seeks guidance on formulating a mathematical model based on their collected data. Overall, the focus is on creating an accurate equation that reflects the physics of bouncing balls.
keishuu
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I was wondering if someone could aid me in finding a general equation for this data. In my physics lab we had to drop a small steel ball over a steel bounce plate and record the range from the base of the bounce plate that it went. This was done 18 times from several heights and then averaged. I know I need to take into account the coefficient of restitution, what else should I take account of and do you have any suggestions about how to get a good equation going through this data.
Any suggestions? Thanks

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I've included a graph of the data below
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
If I recall correctly, MS Excel does have a "fit polynomial to curve" function, after you sketch a graph of the data you have. You can even choose the value of the highest order polynomial you want to approximate your curve with.
 
I have to determine this using theory not using excel. Can someone please help me?
 
Here is a better description of the problem
 

Attachments

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

How to Calculate the Bounces of a Bouncy Ball
Replies
5
Views
3K
Kinetic energy of a bouncing ball
Replies
7
Views
4K
Connection between Pressure, Surface Density and Height?
Replies
2
Views
2K
The equation to find the frequency of a bouncing ball
Replies
6
Views
4K
When Does a Bouncing Ball Come to Rest?
Replies
5
Views
3K
Impulse and Coefficient of Restitution from Ball Drop
Replies
3
Views
8K
Displacement-Time Graph of a bouncing ball
Replies
14
Views
5K
Accounting for Air Resistance in Conservation of Energy Lab with Bouncing Ball
Replies
13
Views
3K
Bouncing ball - How many times does it bounce
Replies
3
Views
8K
Impulse applied to a bouncing ball
Replies
13
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top