Final answer:
Basketball pressure is adjusted by adding or removing air to ensure it bounces correctly; this is a principle based on Factors Affecting Gas Pressure in physics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adjusting Basketball Pressure
When a basketball does not bounce to the desired height, it can indicate that the pressure inside the ball is not at the optimal level. To address this, an official can either add air to the basketball using a hand pump to increase the pressure if the ball does not bounce high enough, or they can let air out of the basketball to decrease the pressure if it bounces too high.
This process is due to the fact that the pressure inside a basketball is determined by the amount of gas (air) it contains, as described in the discussion of Factors Affecting Gas Pressure. In essence, the pressure of the gas inside the container – the ball in this case – influences how the ball behaves when it makes contact with the playing surface. Suitable air pressure is crucial for optimal performance during play.