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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining a general equation for the range of a bouncing ball based on experimental data collected from dropping a steel ball onto a steel bounce plate. The original poster mentions the coefficient of restitution as a factor to consider and seeks additional suggestions for developing the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to incorporate various factors into the equation, with one suggesting the use of polynomial fitting in Excel, while another emphasizes the importance of deriving the solution theoretically instead.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods to approach the problem. There is a clear distinction between those who suggest using software tools and those who advocate for a theoretical approach, indicating multiple interpretations of how to proceed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has specified a preference for theoretical methods over computational tools, which may influence the direction of the discussion and the types of suggestions offered.

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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
 

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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
 

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