Question

Two identical solid balls, one of ivory and the other of wet-clay, are dropped from the same height on the floor. Which one will rise to a greater height after striking the floor and why?

Answer 1

As the ivory ball is more elastic than the wet-clay ball, it will tend to retain its shape instantaneously after the collision. Hence, there will be a large energy and momentum transfer compared to the wet clay ball. Thus, the ivory ball will rise higher after the collision.