Tennis Ball- Is this possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of a scenario depicted in a video, where a tennis ball appears to cause significant damage to the ground. Participants explore whether such an event could realistically occur, considering various physical properties and conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that a tennis ball would be destroyed before causing any significant damage to the ground.
  • Others suggest that if the ground were made of softer materials like mud or sand, the scenario might be possible.
  • One participant introduces a quantum mechanics perspective, arguing that under certain conditions, anything could be possible due to the uncertainty principle.
  • A suggestion is made that a heavy tennis ball or a modified version made of iron could achieve the desired effect.
  • Concerns are raised about the physical characteristics of a standard tennis ball limiting its ability to cause damage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of the scenario, with no consensus reached. Some firmly believe it is impossible, while others propose alternative conditions under which it could occur.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the characteristics of materials involved and the implications of quantum mechanics, but the discussion remains speculative without definitive conclusions.

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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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