Physics Practical: Rebound height of a table-tennis ball

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics practical involving the measurement of the rebound height of a table-tennis ball. Participants are exploring the use of set squares in the measurement process and the theoretical relationships between height and distance in the context of elastic collisions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the role of set squares in measuring rebound height and whether they provide an advantage over using a ruler. There are discussions about the theoretical relationship between height and distance, with references to potential equations and concepts such as Young's modulus and Newton's law of restitution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about measurement techniques and theoretical concepts. Some guidance has been offered regarding the alignment of the set square and the implications of using different measuring tools. Multiple interpretations of the relationships between variables are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of using different measuring tools and the assumptions underlying the experiment, such as the nature of the collision and the relevance of specific physical laws.

Janiceleong26
Messages
276
Reaction score
4

Homework Statement


image.jpg
image.jpg


For part aiii), the mark scheme states "Use of set squares to indicate height". I know what are set squares, but how does it aid to determine the rebound height, h? I thought set squares are to ensure two objects are perpendicular to one another? How does it help in measuring the rebound height, h?

Also, for part c), how to explain? Is it because both h and d have the same unit, thus cancel out, giving a constant?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Think of ways to ensure that you may measure h accurately along the ruler ...

In part c, apparently the theory has some relationship like ## h^2 = e\; d^2## (or some other power of length). What could is be related to ?
 
BvU said:
Think of ways to ensure that you may measure h accurately along the ruler ...

In part c, apparently the theory has some relationship like ## h^2 = e\; d^2## (or some other power of length). What could is be related to ?
image.jpg

By placing the set square like this? Why not use a ruler instead?

And I thought the theory is related by h = e^2 d? I really don't know what it is related to.. I guess it's Young's modulus?
 
Last edited:
That's the idea. You worry me because you let the top of the set square align with the center of the ball, whilst the h and d in the figure are measured with respect to the underside of the ball.

Young's modulus is too complicated in this experiment.
Think about the bouncing as a non fully elastic collision
At what speed does the ball hit the floor ?
How high does the ball bounce if the speed up is a fraction of that ?
 
Last edited:
BvU said:
That's the idea. You worry me because you let the top of the set square align with the center of the ball, whilst the h and d in the figure are measured with respect to the underside of the ball.

Young's modulus is too complicated in this experiment.
Think about the bouncing as a non fully elastic collisioncollision
At what speed does the ball hit the floor ?
How high does the ball bounce if the speed up is a fraction of that ?

Oh whoops sorry, was not conscious about it :biggrin:
But why can't we use other forms of straight edges, like a ruler instead of set squares?
I guess it's Newton's law of restitution then?
 
Janiceleong26 said:
Oh whoops sorry, was not conscious about it :biggrin: good. never mind.
But why can't we use other forms of straight edges, like a ruler instead of set squares? You want to make sure the top of the set square is parallel to the floor
I guess it's Newton's law of restitution then? Yes. well "guessed" :rolleyes:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Janiceleong26
Please mention from which year and session is this question from...TIA
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K