Bouncing Balls: Coefficient of Restitution

Theory

On impact, the speed is multiplied by the coefficient of restitution $e$. Since $h\propto v^2$, each bounce reaches $h_{n+1}=e^2{h}_n$, so $h_n=e^{2n}{h}_0$. The total time of the bounces is finite!

What to observe

• e = 0.9 bounces many times; e = 0.5 stops quickly; e = 0 does not bounce.
• Use the ruler to check $h_1=e^2{h}_0$.

Try this

• Select a ball and change its restitution.
• Turn on the energy graph: each impact removes a fraction $1-e^2$.

Also available in: Bolas quicando: coeficiente de restituição (Português) · Pelotas que rebotan: coeficiente de restitución (Español)