Despite of being one of the most popular sports, the snooker is much more complex than it looks. What is behind sure-fire shots? Various physics calculations! In this post, we will explain how:

• Variations

Snooker, pool and 8 ball pool are popular names, and what basically changes is the origin and rules. Snooker is a general term which gather sports practiced on a table with clubs and balls. The pool, which uses the pockets, is the most famous modality.

The modality we are most familiar with is the 8 ball pool, with a difference between bigger and smaller balls and the felling of the black ball at the end.

• The table

It is essential that the table has a completely smooth surface, so the balls can slide correctly. Without a good table, even the best player would only count on luck.

The process of making the tables demands perfection, despite being mass-produced. The material commonly used in the confection is slate, a stone which can be transformed in a completely flat plate.

• Physics

Let’s start with the most common shot of snooker: the beat between the white balls and the others. This shot can be explained by the physical phenomenon of collision – which is practically the same as Newton’s Law (action and reaction) – that is, the stronger the shot, the stronger the velocity hit by the ball.

The formula that can be applied in this case is the calculation of work:

W = F x d, where “W” is Work (also represented by Greek letter tau); “F” is force, and  “d” is the displacement vector of the ball.

The mass of the ball and the acceleration of the hit are two variables that constitute the force necessary to move the ball. In addition, the radius “r”, the center of gravity “G” and the club’s height “h” are relevant factors at the shot moment.

So the ball can reach the longest possible distance, friction between the table and the two balls must be minimal. Thus, the kinetic energy of the blow is transferred to both the moment of contact and the other object.