1. What is a Rebound Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the rebound height of an object based on its initial drop height and the coefficient of restitution.

Purpose: It helps physicists, engineers, and sports scientists understand and predict the bounce behavior of various objects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( h_r \) — Rebound height (meters)
• \( h \) — Initial height (meters)
• \( e \) — Coefficient of restitution (dimensionless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The rebound height is calculated by multiplying the initial height by the square of the coefficient of restitution.

3. Importance of Rebound Calculation

Details: Understanding rebound behavior is crucial in sports equipment design, material testing, and physics experiments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial height in meters and coefficient of restitution (default 0.8). The coefficient must be between 0 (perfectly inelastic) and 1 (perfectly elastic).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is coefficient of restitution?
A: It's a measure of how "bouncy" a collision is, representing the ratio of relative velocities after and before impact.

Q2: What are typical coefficient values?
A: ~0.8-0.9 for superballs, ~0.7-0.8 for basketballs, ~0.5-0.6 for tennis balls, ~0.3 for baseballs.

Q3: Why square the coefficient in the formula?
A: Because the coefficient applies to both the downward and upward portions of the bounce.

Q4: Does this account for air resistance?
A: No, this is a simplified model that assumes ideal conditions without air resistance.

Q5: Can I use this for multiple bounces?
A: For subsequent bounces, use the previous rebound height as the new initial height.