Book 28, Question 13 · Video
Why is a table tennis ball so light?
A table tennis ball weighs only about 2.7 grams and is hollow plastic. It is so light that air and spin change its path a lot. A hard paddle stroke can spin the ball faster than 100 times a second, so it curves and bounces in surprising ways. Players use rubber on their paddles to grip the ball and add spin.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why is a table tennis ball so light?
The Big Idea
A table tennis ball is super light! That makes the game wild. Let's find out why.
Featherweight
Step one: Featherweight. A table tennis ball weighs only about 2.7 grams and is hollow plastic. It is so light that air and spin change its path a lot.
Super Spin
Step two: Super Spin. A hard paddle stroke can spin the ball faster than 100 times a second. So it curves and bounces in surprising ways.
Rubber Paddles
Step three: Rubber Paddles. Players use rubber on their paddles to grip the ball. The rubber helps them add even more spin.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Super light. Spins fast. Curves a lot. Grips the ball.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Table tennis balls are only 40 millimeters wide. About 2.7 grams. Over 100 spins a second. Air pushes it around.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Put a ping pong ball on a table. Blow it with a straw. See how a puff moves it. Try blowing from the side. How easily does it move?
Outro
A table tennis ball weighs only about 2.7 grams, so air and spin change its path a lot. Paddles with rubber can spin it over 100 times a second, making it curve and bounce in surprising ways. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!