Coefficient of restitution from bounce heights: A ball is dropped from 2.25 m onto a smooth floor and rises to 1.00 m after the bounce. Assuming vertical impact and negligible air resistance, compute the coefficient of restitution between the ball and the floor.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 0.67

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The coefficient of restitution e relates rebound speed to impact speed along the line of impact. For vertical drops, energy relations yield a simple formula in terms of drop and rebound heights, which is widely used in sports engineering and material testing.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Drop height h1 = 2.25 m.
  • Rebound height h2 = 1.00 m.
  • Neglect air resistance; vertical motion only.


Concept / Approach:
For vertical impacts without air drag, e = (rebound speed) / (impact speed). Using v = √(2 g h), we get e = √(h2 / h1).


Step-by-Step Solution:

Compute ratio h2/h1 = 1.00 / 2.25 ≈ 0.4444.Take square root: e = √0.4444 ≈ 0.6667.Rounded to two decimal places: e ≈ 0.67.


Verification / Alternative check:
If h2 = h1 (perfectly elastic), e = 1. If h2 = 0 (perfectly plastic), e = 0. Our result lies between 0 and 1, as expected.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 0.33, 0.44, 0.57, 0.77: do not satisfy e = √(1/2.25).


Common Pitfalls:
Taking a linear ratio rather than square root; mixing heights with velocities directly.


Final Answer:
0.67

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