First Science Investigation

First Science Investigation- Ball Bounce

Aim: To measure the bounce of a tennis ball and to see if there is a relationship between the height it is dropped from and the height of the bounce.

Hypothesis: I think that as i increase the height i drop the ball from, the height of the first bounce will increase as well.

Equipment: 

• Meter ruler
• Tennis ball
• retort stand and clamp

Method:

1. Clamp the ruler to the retort stand, making sure it's straight.
2. Get a tennis ball and release it from a set height.
3. Measure the height of the first bounce against the ruler.
4. Repeat at the same height.
5. Repeat the process for at least four other heights.

Key Variables:

Dependent: I will be measuring the height of the first bounce.

Independent: I will be changing the height that i drop the tennis ball from.

Control: I will keep the tennis ball and the ruler the same as well as the way that i drop the ball.

Results:

Height (cm)	Reading 1	Reading 2	Average
30	10	12	11
50	20	24	22
100	35	41	38
200	93	89	91
300	135	125	130
400	170	158	164

Discussion:
This experiment was successful as a clear trend can be identified between the height of the drop and the first bounce. The results are not 100% accurate as sometimes it was hard to measure the height of the bounce accurately to 1cm. Either needed another person helping or better use of video technology to assist. But because i took two readings i think the average is an accurate representation of the data.

Conclusion:
This experiment investigated the relationship between the height a ball is dropped from and the height of it's first bounce. After carrying out the investigation i can agree with my original hypothesis as the data clearly shows that as the height of the drop increased so did the height of the first bounce at a fairly steady and constant rate.