Heavy Object conundrum

[sp1214]

Why does a heavy non-deformable object bounce when released from above.

[jake-the-peg]

Because what it strikes is deformable?

[Loosehead]

it's also worth pointing out that nothing is non-deformable. 99.9% of even the densest material is space so there's plenty of room for squashing etc. (ok pedants I'm not talking about Neutron stars ok!)

[dundurn]

Because what it strikes is non-deformable too. Conservation of momentum dictates that since the ground doesn't move the object has to move off with almost as much momentum as it arrived. The 'almost as much' is because no matter how undeformable both objects are there's always a little 'give' and energy is also lost in the form of sound and heat. So, drop a ball bearing onto sand, where the grains are free to get out of the way, and it pretty much stays where you drop it. Drop it onto a steel plate, however, and watch it bounce!

[sp1214]

Yes Dundurn I also thought it might be something to do with momentum and I also accept about the impact surface. In a similar vein I suppose it seems a miracle that a bomb can bounce on water.

[Teddio]

The object in question will undergo elastic deformation. A steel ball bearing dropped on to a glass surface will bounce with a high coefficient of restitution. Glass at room temperature is an elastic (although brittle) material.

[sp1214]

An experiment was carried out on You tube with ball bearings..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1Taw8c75JY

[dove]

air waves
( just to give an opinion lol)

[heathfield]

Elasticity is the key word.

[Thersites]

What about a light non-deformable? And how heavy (light) would one have to be not to bounce?