Final answer:
When a rubber ball bounces off a hard surface and only reaches 90% of its original height, the loss of kinetic energy during the collision can be explained by factors like deformation, sound production, and minimal friction or air resistance, despite the surface appearing smooth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Explanation of Kinetic Energy Loss During a Collision
When an elastic ball bounces off of a hard floor and does not reach its original height, this indicates a loss of kinetic energy during the collision. In a perfectly inelastic collision, for example, the objects involved would stick together and move with a common velocity or even come to rest, resulting in maximum kinetic energy loss. To explain the loss of kinetic energy in the case of a rubber ball, we should consider several factors including deformation of the ball, sound energy, and possibly small amounts of friction or air resistance even on an apparently smooth surface. At the moment of maximum compression of the ball, it does come to a brief stop where kinetic energy is at zero before it is converted back to kinetic energy as the ball recoils and starts its ascent.
In the scenario where a 0.240-kg billiard ball bounces off the bumper of a pool table, the loss of kinetic energy is calculated based on the change in velocity. If the ball rebounds at 80% of its incoming velocity, it reflects a loss of kinetic energy during the collision, similar to the rubber ball scenario.