F=ma Applied to a Billiards Cue

[tmlesko]

TL;DR Summary

Is it correct to apply F=MA to answer the question: can a heavier cue stick apply more force in breaking a rack of billiards balls? Assuming all material factors remain the same, there any other factors involved?

Many years ago, I was asked if the weight of a billiards cue matters when breaking a rack of billiards balls. I.e. does a heavier cue apply more force to the cue ball. (typically the range of a break cue is 18-25 oz.) So, probably obviously, I used the formula F=MA as an explanation. RecentlyI was asked that question again, and I am left wondering, given that the materials and other elements remain constant, if I am correct? Would any other factors enter in?

Thanks, new member here.

Tom L.

 

[PeroK]

I suggest there is an optimum weight of cue depending on the strength of the player and their power and speed characteristics.

If a cue is too light, then it may be difficult to give it sufficient momentum. And if it's too heavy, then the player may struggle to move it quickly enough.

Any sophisticated model would have to take the player's biomechanics into account.

 

[Ibix]

It's not really a physics question here, it's a biomechanics question, because the question depends on how well you can use a heavier versus lighter cue.

The outcome you want is that the cue ball travels faster, but without sacrificing precision. A heavier cue will probably be better as long as you are strong enough to accelerate it to the same speed as the lighter one, with the same precision, and the cue is similarly rigid. A great big gorilla of a bloke is going to see more improvement from a heavier cue than a lightly built kid because he'll be able to accelerate it fast while the kid might struggle to provide the power accurately.

 

[Baluncore]

Maybe, rather than F=ma, the problem could be viewed from a kinetic energy perspective. The energy of the cue is transferred to the cue ball, that is then shared or cascaded to many balls on the table.

 

[jack action]

Somebody studied the physics of it. There is a URL at the end of the document that explains in more detail the impact of the physiological factors and personal techniques involved.

For your main playing cue, you should use whatever weight feels most comfortable. Different weights can produce slightly different results; but with practice, one can get accustomed to a cue of any weight. You will learn to adjust your stroke as necessary to achieve the range of cue speeds appropriate for different shots. The only shots for which cue weight can make a significant different are power shots (e.g., an extreme power draw, or the break shot), as discussed later in the article.

In general, a lighter cue will allow more control over finesse shots, and a heavier cue will allow more cue ball (CB) speed with less apparent stroke effort. A heavier cue might also be easier for some people to keep on line during the stroke, but this is a very individual thing. Also, a heavier cue might tend to have a shaft with more endmass (the weight of the portion of the shaft closest to the tip); although, this isn't necessarily the case. If it is, the heavier cue will create more squirt (AKA "cue ball deflection"), which can have both advantages and disadvantages for different people.

 

[tmlesko]

I suggest there is an optimum weight of cue depending on the strength of the player and their power and speed characteristics.

If a cue is too light, then it may be difficult to give it sufficient momentum. And if it's too heavy, then the player may struggle to move it quickly enough.

Any sophisticated model would have to take the player's biomechanics into account.

Thank you, much appreciated.

Tom L.