Temperature Dependence of the Coefficient of Restitution for a Rubber Ball

The relationship between the temperature and the coefficient of restitution of a polybutadiene superball was investigated. The ball was released from a fixed height and tracked with a motion detector as it bounced. The coefficient of restitution at temperatures ranging from 223K to 341K was determined. It was found that the relationship was inversely exponential, approaching a maximum above 300K.