Why some materials bounce off more than the others?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reasons why some materials exhibit greater elasticity and bounce compared to others. Participants explore the relationship between material microstructure, hardness, and elastic properties, as well as the concept of free energy in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the microstructure of materials and how it affects their elastic behavior.
  • It is noted that softer materials tend to undergo plastic deformation at lower stress levels, leading to permanent deformation at contact surfaces.
  • Questions are raised regarding the concept of free energy and its relevance to the bouncing behavior of materials.
  • Participants reference specific examples of materials, such as certain balls, and compare their bouncing properties to those of wood or rock.
  • There is mention of the elastic properties of materials as a key factor in their ability to bounce.
  • Clarification is sought on the meaning of "5 1/8" mentioned in an article, which is identified as the weight of a baseball.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the factors influencing material elasticity and bouncing behavior. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on the specific mechanisms involved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the definitions of terms like free energy and the specific conditions under which materials are tested for elasticity are not fully explored.

Physicsissuef
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why some materials bounce off more than the others? What happens with the microstructure?
 
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Physicsissuef said:
why some materials bounce off more than the others? What happens with the microstructure?
In other words, why do some materials behave more elastically?

Materials have different levels of hardness.

Softer materials will experience plastic deformation at lower stress/load levels than others. There is always some permanent deformation at the contact surfaces.
 
And what is that free energy of the molecules?
 
Physicsissuef said:
And what is that free energy of the molecules?
Please elaborate on your question about bouncing off and your use of free energy.

By free energy, does one mean Gibbs free energy?
 
I mean like (lets say) http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:VBuYtcLqM-o8rM:http://www.ukfitnesssupplies.co.uk/mall/UKFitnessSuppliesLtd/customerimages/products/PERFECTION.jpg"
Why it bounces more than some wood or rock?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Astronuc?
 
Physicsissuef said:
I mean like (lets say) http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:VBuYtcLqM-o8rM:http://www.ukfitnesssupplies.co.uk/mall/UKFitnessSuppliesLtd/customerimages/products/PERFECTION.jpg"
Why it bounces more than some wood or rock?

Like Astronuc said, they 'bounce' due to their elastic properties...

http://www.exploratorium.edu/sports/ball_bounces/ballbounces2.html

CS
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physicsissuef said:
And what is that 5 1/8 on the article?

The weight of the baseball like the article says.

CS
 

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