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The Importance Of The Bouncy Ball

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Albert Einstein once stated, “the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” Imagination has been the cause of many human accomplishments, without this creative thinking the world would be far less advanced than we are today. Although these accomplishments range from large to small, all have influenced our way of life. Throughout history, the importance of idea and influences can be seen clearly. Take the bouncy ball for example. Although the bouncy ball is thought to be an uncomplicated kid’s toy, further research may give a great respect for this average toy. The history, past influence, and science all show the importance of the bouncy ball. Norman Stingley a California chemist who held a full-time job with the Bettis Rubber Company. In his free time, Stingley enjoyed experimenting. Taking a gummy rubber substance and applying 3,500 pounds of pressure resulted in a …show more content…

The materials involved in the creation of the ball and the forces behind the bounce help scientists to further understand gravity and pressure. The main ingredient in bouncy balls is rubber. Rubber has a high flexibility; this elastic property of the material is what allows the bounce. In the article “What Are the Properties of Rubber?” author Robert Ally explains “[the] ability to extend to long lengths and then return to its original shape demonstrates the elastic property of rubber”. This elastic material combined with the forces of gravity allows individuals to see Newtown’s law in action. In the article “Newton’s Third Law” the Glenn Research Center asserts “his third law states that for every action (force) in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction”. When the ball is dropped, gravity begins to pull it towards the ground. Once the ball hits the ground, it flattens. According to Newton’s Third Law, the force of the impact should cause the ball to bounce back with equal force, resulting in the

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