How fast was the ball moving when it left the pool table?

In summary, the problem involves a pool ball being knocked off a pool table and hitting the floor with a certain speed. The person asking for help used the conservation of mechanical energy theorem to solve the problem. They encountered some uncertainty but decided to use the formula and seek clarification later.
  • #1
Tabe
42
0
HELP! PlEaSe

Okay, here is my problem: In a wild shot, Bo knocks a pool ball of mass of .85 kilograms offa 95-cm high pool table, and the ball hits the floor with a speed of 6.0 m/s. How fast was the ball moving when it left the pool table?
I don't want to know the answer, I just want to know how to solve the problem, but I have no clue where to start. If someone could just help me get the problem started, or in the right direction, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
i used the conservation of mechanical energy theorem...

[tex]
\frac{1}{2} (0.85)v^2 + (0.85)g(0.95) = \frac{1}{2} (0.85)(6)^2
[/tex]

...

[tex]
v^2 + 2g(0.95) = 36
[/tex]

...

[tex]
v^2 = 36 - 18.62
[/tex]

so...

[tex]
v = 4.16893272
[/tex]

Well - if u find any mistakes - pls feel free to comment.
 
  • #3
I saw that formula in my physics book, but I wasn't sure if it would apply to the problem because we haven't really gone over it yet.
But I'm going to use it to solve the problem, because it is a lot more than I had, and I will ask about it tomorrow.
Thanks!
 

FAQ: How fast was the ball moving when it left the pool table?

What factors affect the speed of the ball when it leaves the pool table?

The speed of the ball when it leaves the pool table can be affected by a variety of factors such as the initial force applied to the cue ball, the angle at which it was struck, the surface friction of the pool table, and the amount of spin put on the cue ball.

Does the weight of the ball affect its speed when leaving the pool table?

Yes, the weight of the ball can affect its speed when leaving the pool table. Heavier balls will generally have a slower speed compared to lighter balls when struck with the same force.

How do you measure the speed of the ball when it leaves the pool table?

The speed of the ball when it leaves the pool table can be measured using a high-speed camera or a radar gun. These tools can capture the movement of the ball and calculate its speed based on the distance it traveled over a certain period of time.

Can the speed of the ball when it leaves the pool table be calculated?

Yes, the speed of the ball when it leaves the pool table can be calculated using the laws of motion and principles of physics. Factors such as the mass of the ball, the force applied, and the angle of impact can be used to determine the speed of the ball.

Is the speed of the ball when it leaves the pool table constant?

No, the speed of the ball when it leaves the pool table is not constant. It will gradually decrease as it travels due to factors such as air resistance and friction with the pool table surface. However, the initial speed of the ball when it leaves the pool table can be calculated and is generally the fastest point of its trajectory.

Similar threads

Back
Top