Physics Ia on Bouncing Ball

Research: The aim of this experiment is to determine a factor that affects the height of a bouncing ball. The factor that will be investigated in this experiment would be the initial height of the ball. The relationship will be determined by altering the initial height of the ball prior to the release in order for the ball to bounce. The ball used in this experiment would be a tennis ball, and it will be dropped on the same surface each experiment. However, the initial height prior to the release of the ball will be altered in order to determine the true relationship between the initial height of the ball and the final height of the ball. The formula to calculate gravitational potential energy is “G.P.E. = mass * gravitational force * height”. Therefore, increasing the height would result in a greater gravitational potential energy. However, under standard circumstances, the gravitational potential energy of the ball is converted to kinetic energy, while a minute amount of energy is converted into heat. Hence, the ball never approaches the same height as the initial height of the ball. In addition, the height of the ball subsequent to its bounce is decreased at a constant ratio. This ratio is equivalent to the energy lost as heat. Variables: The independent variable: The initial height prior to releasing the ball The dependent variable: The height of the ball subsequent to the release of the ball. Controlled variables: 1) The same mass of the same ball 2) The same surface Apparatus: * Meter Rule * Tennis Ball * Camcorder * * * * * * * * * * * * Diagram of Experiment: * * Tennis Ball
Tennis Ball
Meter Rule
Meter Rule

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Method: * * The apparatus was set up as shown in the diagram. * The tennis ball was aligned with the ruler. * The