Tennis Ball- Is this possible?

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The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a tennis ball causing significant damage to the ground, as depicted in a Powerade commercial. Participants agree that a standard tennis ball would be destroyed upon impact, rendering it incapable of causing any substantial damage. Some suggest that altering the conditions, such as using a heavier ball or different ground materials like mud or sand, might change the outcome. Others reference quantum mechanics to argue that while anything is theoretically possible, practical limitations make the scenario unlikely. Ultimately, the consensus is that a regular tennis ball cannot achieve the effects shown in the video.
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Jeff,
Yeah I know it is a commercial. What I would like to know is if the members here think it would be possible for this to actually happen.
 
No it can't. The tennis ball would be destroyed before it did any significant amount damage to the ground. If you don't believe me, build a tennis ball cannon.
 
Topher925 said:
No it can't. The tennis ball would be destroyed ...
...yes, and the racquet as well.
 
are we forgeting our quantum mechanics here? Anything is possible because EVERYTHING is based on probablility. With the uncertainty principle, it is possible that all the atoms in the tennis ball gain sufficient energy to break the ground like that, then get rid of the engery. Thanks to quantum mechanics, anything is possible...
 
If you replace the hard clay with mud or sand, or a mixture of clay and water, it's possible. You could sprinkle dry clay on top of the "mud" to make it look realistic. I don't know if the video was done using "mud" and possibly a "heavy tennis ball" shot from a cannon, or if it was all computer generated.
 
If you would build a tennis ball out of iron, sure.

Otherwise as others have already stated it is not possible due to the characteristics of a tennis ball.
 
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