Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I would like to know which books i can use to find out how heat/ cold affects the bouncing of a ball? I would think it has something to do with the movement of molecules inside the ball and how the heat and cold affects the molucles inside. Can some ne tell me if i'm on the right track?

Hi Ashley,

I would suggest doing a google search with the terms "bouncing ball hot cold" or "bouncing ball temperature" or something along these lines. Several articles come up that may be helpful to you. If you read some of them you will find that you are on the right track. Keep in mind what kind of ball you will be using (solid or air filled) and how you will heat up or cool down the ball.

Good luck and let us know if you have any more questions or need more information.

Mary

This is going to depend tremendously on the exact type of ball you use.

In explaining the results you will also need a pretty good understanding of what the ball is made of, and how temperature might affect it.

A basketball is going to be "differently" temperature-sensitive compared to a tennis-ball (different amount of air, different construction materials).

I want to thank you for your suggestions and keeping me on track. I will keep you inform as to my results. Gracias to all!!!!!