Engineering Physics

Method for Calculating Acceleration of Gravity Using a Bouncy Ball Equation and Calculator

Using a ball that bounces and a stopwatch method.

g = (8h₀c²) / T_x² [ ( 1 - c^x ) / ( 1 - c ) ]²

c = [ h₁ / h₀ ]^(1/2)

Where:

h₀ = Height of drop (ft, m),
h₁ = Height of FIRST bouce of ball (ft, m),
T_x = Time for x bounces, (sec),
x = Number of bounces,
g = Acceleration measured (ft/sec², m/sec²)

Standard gravity at sea level:

9.80665 m/sec²
32.17404855643 ft/sec²

Reference (Derived From):

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Listening to the coefficient of restitution and the gravitational acceleration of a bouncing ball
C. E. Aguiara) and F. Laudaresb)
Instituto de Fı´sica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Brazil