Quck answer
A super ball is characterized by its ability to bounce higher and more energetically than a regular ball. This is due to its unique construction and materials. Super balls are typically made from a type of rubber called vulcanized polybutadiene, which has a very high elasticity. The rubber is molded into a solid sphere with a smooth surface, allowing it to rebound efficiently off of various surfaces. Additionally, the super ball’s design includes a hollow center, which further enhances its bouncing capabilities. Overall, the combination of the specialized rubber, solid construction, and hollow center makes a ball super by giving it exceptional bounce.
When it comes to toys, most children enjoy playing with a variety of balls. From soccer balls and footballs to baseballs and basketballs, many sports involve the use of a ball.
However, regular rubber bouncy balls can also provide entertainment. And there is a particular type of bouncy ball that stands out for its exceptional bounce. Can you guess what it is? It’s the Super Ball®, of course!
Have you ever had the chance to play with a Super Ball®? These rubber bouncy balls are renowned for their incredible bouncing abilities, reaching impressive heights with each bounce.
The Super Ball® was created in 1964 by Norman Stingley, a chemist working at the Bettis Rubber Company. Stingley developed a synthetic rubber called Zectron, which he compressed under high pressure and heat to form a ball. And thus, the Super Ball® was born.
Eventually, Stingley sold his invention to the toy manufacturer Wham-O, who helped him refine it into the iconic toy we know today.
A Super Ball® is an extremely elastic ball with a high coefficient of restitution, which means it can bounce exceptionally high. How high, you ask? Prepare to be amazed!
When dropped from shoulder level, a Super Ball® bounces back almost to its original height. If thrown towards the ground by an average adult, a Super Ball® can reach the height of a three-story building.
Wham-O once created a giant Super Ball® the size of a bowling ball, which was dropped from the top of an Australian hotel and caused damage to a parked car on its second bounce!
In the 1960s, the Super Ball® quickly became a popular trend. By the end of 1965, Wham-O had sold over six million of these bouncy balls. Miniature versions could even be purchased for as little as ten cents from toy vending machines.
The Super Ball® also served as inspiration for the name of one of the world’s most famous annual sporting events. Are you familiar with Lamar Hunt? He was the founder of the American Football League, and it was his observation of his children playing with a Super Ball® that led him to jokingly suggest that the football championship be called the “Super Bowl.” Although it started as a joke, sportswriters caught on to the name, and it stuck!
Try It Out
Have you ever played with a bouncy ball? If not, what are you waiting for?
You have several options for getting a bouncy ball. You can buy one from a toy store or get one from a machine in a restaurant lobby. Alternatively, if you’re interested in a science experiment, you can make your own bouncy ball at home. To do this, you can search online for directions on how to make a bouncing polymer ball. It’s important to note that you’ll need some special ingredients, so make sure to check the list and ask a friend or family member to help you get them from the store. Additionally, it’s recommended to have an adult assist you in making the homemade bouncy ball. Remember to clean up after you’re done!
In addition to Super Ball®, think about your other favorite toys and make a list. Share this list with a friend or family member and explain why you like each toy. See if they can add anything to your list and also ask them what toys they played with when they were kids.
If you’re curious about how Super Ball® works, you can read more about the science behind it. Afterwards, summarize what you’ve learned for a friend or family member.
For additional information, you can refer to the following sources:
– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Ball (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
– http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/superball.htm (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
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