Trajectory

Jan-Marc Heckman shared this with me — good trajectory reference:

I can explain the graph in non-math terms I use it as a reference to make sure the arcs are decreasing correctly. As long as you understand the basic patterns of the bounces, you don’t have to worry so much about the math behind it. Here are the main points to keep in mind:

-If the ball is heavier the height in each successive arc will be significantly less, and there will be less bounces. The heavier the ball, the more drastic the decrease and fewer bounces.
-if the ball is lighter, the height in each successive arc will decrease slightly and there will be more bounces. The lighter the ball, the least noticeable the decrease is in each successive bounce.
-For both heavy and light balls, the arcs are round. So the graphs will look similar, it’s just a matter of a change in spacing and arc frequency.
-Regardless if something is heavy or light, everything falls at the same speed. What makes something stay in the air is air resistance. Lighter balls (like a beach ball) have more hang time than say a bowling ball. So, in terms of the graph, the arcs look more stretched out, since the ball is in the air longer.