Shaping softness from hard elements

Götz H, Pöschel T (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

American Journal of Physics American Association of Physics Teachers

Book Volume: 94

Pages Range: 99-105

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1119/5.0293811

Abstract

Editor's Note: When a ball collides with a wall, we know that it will reverse direction and travel away with a fraction of its original speed given by the coefficient of restitution. What happens when there is a second ball with a smaller mass between the larger ball and the wall? The authors show that in a certain limit, the large ball accelerates as it would in a repulsive potential. Other fun treats include a clear geometric picture of the system and a welcome reminder of a novel way to calculate pi.

Authors with CRIS profile

Holger Götz Lehrstuhl für Multiscale Simulation of Particulate Systems (MSS) Thorsten Pöschel Lehrstuhl für Multiscale Simulation of Particulate Systems (MSS)

How to cite

APA:

Götz, H., & Pöschel, T. (2026). Shaping softness from hard elements. American Journal of Physics, 94(2), 99-105. https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0293811

MLA:

Götz, Holger, and Thorsten Pöschel. "Shaping softness from hard elements." American Journal of Physics 94.2 (2026): 99-105.

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