Here's a breakdown:
* Elasticity: Rubber is much more elastic than wood. This means rubber can deform and bounce back to its original shape more easily, absorbing more energy in the process. When you stop a rubber ball, the energy of its motion is converted into elastic potential energy as it deforms. This energy is then released back into the environment as the ball bounces back.
* Coefficient of Restitution (COR): The COR is a measure of how much energy is retained after a collision. Rubber has a higher COR than wood, meaning it bounces back with a higher percentage of its original energy. This means less energy needs to be absorbed by your hand to stop the rubber ball.
In contrast:
* Wood: Wood is less elastic and has a lower COR. When you stop a wooden ball, it doesn't deform as much, and less energy is absorbed as it deforms. This means more energy is transferred to your hand, making it feel harder to stop.
In summary:
The rubber ball's high elasticity and COR allow it to absorb more of its own energy during a collision, making it easier to stop compared to the wooden ball.
