# A tennis ball is dropped from rest and falls vertically downwards onto a hard floor. The ball bounces back upwards but does not reach its original height. Explain why the ball does not return to its original height after bouncing.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 8.1 Energy — forces doing work · Explain · 4 marks

> A tennis ball is dropped from rest and falls vertically downwards onto a hard floor. The ball bounces back upwards but does not reach its original height.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. As the ball falls, gravitational potential energy is transferred to kinetic energy
2. When the ball hits the floor, work is done against resistive forces (e.g. during deformation / compression of the ball or floor)
3. Some energy is dissipated (transferred to the surroundings as heat/sound) during the bounce
4. Because energy has been dissipated, the ball has less kinetic energy after the bounce, so it cannot rise to the same height / regain the same gravitational potential energy

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-tennis-ball-is-dropped-from-3e14a78a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.