Heavy Objects Bouncing: Factors & Variables

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In summary, the weight of an object does not determine whether it will bounce when dropped from a certain height, but rather the elasticity of the materials involved. This is due to the square cube law, which states that as an object increases in size, its volume increases faster than its surface area, causing changes in its overall properties. For example, a giant rubber ball dropped on Earth would most likely not bounce, but rather be torn apart due to the shockwave of the impact. This is because of the square cube law and the fact that the scaled up model is made of the same tiny atoms.
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autodidude
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How heavy does an object have to be so that it won't bounce when dropped from some height h (I'm guessing it's proportional to h as well as other variables)?

Is the reaction force from the floor what destabilizes it and causes it to bounce? How does the surface area that comes in contact with the floor play a role? What other variables need to be considered?

THanks
 
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autodidude said:
How heavy does an object have to be so that it won't bounce when dropped from some height h
It's not about the weight, but the elasticity of the materials involved.
 
  • #3
I'm assuming that when you say heavier its because its getting bigger, if so then you need to read up on is something called "the square cube law" Basically as something in increases in size its volume increases faster than its surface area and because the scaled up model is made of the same tiny atoms its overall properties change.

If you made a giant one mile radius rubber ball and dropped it on Earth its not going to bounce, chances are the shockwave of the impact would tear it apart. It would most likely look like dropping an egg.
 
  • #4
Mmmm, I guess that or it gets denser...

Why is that? Does that have to do with the square cube law you mentioned (I'm about to look it up?). I feel like asking how the shockwaves would tear it apart (basically knocking atoms?) and if it's sound and stuff but I already have another thread going on about sound waves and shock waves lol
 
  • #5
for your question. The weight of an object does play a role in its bouncing behavior, but it is not the only factor. The main factor that determines whether an object will bounce or not is the elasticity of the object and the surface it is bouncing on.

In general, heavier objects tend to have less elasticity, meaning they are less likely to bounce. However, this is not always the case as there are other variables that also affect an object's elasticity, such as the material it is made of and its shape.

The height from which an object is dropped also plays a role, as it affects the amount of potential energy the object has when it reaches the ground. This potential energy is then converted into kinetic energy when the object hits the ground, causing it to bounce. So, it is proportional to the height, but also influenced by the object's elasticity and other factors.

The reaction force from the floor does play a role in destabilizing the object and causing it to bounce. When an object hits the floor, the force of the impact causes the object to deform and compress. This stored energy is then released, causing the object to bounce off the surface.

The surface area that comes in contact with the floor also plays a role. A larger surface area means more contact with the floor, which can increase the amount of energy absorbed and decrease the amount of energy released during the bounce, resulting in a lower bounce.

Other variables that need to be considered include the temperature and humidity of the environment, as these can affect the object's elasticity and the surface's grip. The shape and texture of the object and the surface it is bouncing on can also impact its bouncing behavior.

In summary, the weight of an object is just one of many factors that influence its bouncing behavior. The elasticity of the object and surface, height of the drop, reaction force from the floor, and surface area all play important roles in determining whether an object will bounce or not. Other variables such as temperature, humidity, and shape also need to be taken into consideration.
 

1. What factors affect the bounce of a heavy object?

The factors that affect the bounce of a heavy object include the material of the object, the surface it is bouncing on, the force with which it is dropped, and the shape and size of the object.

2. How does the material of a heavy object affect its bounce?

The material of a heavy object affects its bounce because some materials are more elastic than others. Objects made of more elastic materials, such as rubber, tend to bounce higher than objects made of less elastic materials, such as wood.

3. What is the role of surface in the bounce of a heavy object?

The surface the object is bouncing on plays a crucial role in its bounce. A harder surface, such as concrete, will cause the object to bounce higher than a softer surface, such as grass. This is because harder surfaces can better resist the force of the object hitting the ground, resulting in a higher bounce.

4. How does the force of the drop affect the bounce of a heavy object?

The force with which a heavy object is dropped onto a surface greatly impacts its bounce. The greater the force, the higher the object will bounce. This is because a greater force results in a greater amount of energy being transferred to the object, causing it to bounce higher.

5. What is the effect of shape and size on the bounce of a heavy object?

The shape and size of a heavy object can also affect its bounce. Objects with a larger surface area, such as a ball, tend to bounce higher than objects with a smaller surface area, such as a cube. This is because a larger surface area allows for more contact with the surface, resulting in a higher bounce.

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