pic: Our machine is too fast...

[Alekat]

Originally Posted by Wetzel

F=ma. The force will equal the mass of the ball times the acceleration.
Acceleration is the rate at which an object changes its velocity, so the compression will lower the acceleration by some amount. By slowing the ball over an extra 2 inches, you have a smaller acceleration. With a smaller acceleration you have a lower force.

All that means is you need a higher starting velocity.

Wetzel
PS: If someone who has taken actual physics rather than physics of a body in an accident and can explain it better please do.

Sounds to me like you did a great job. As long as you can establish that your poof ball won't have to exceed the speed of light to punch a hole, it is possible.

two things you have to remember from physics:
1. F=ma
2. You can't push on a rope.

[KenWittlief]

what if the foam ball was soaked with water when it hit, and it weighed as much as, oh.. lets say a pumpkin?

[greencactus3]

ooh has anyone tried that? its cold around here for watergames but.

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by KenWittlief

what if the foam ball was soaked with water when it hit, and it weighed as much as, oh.. lets say a pumpkin?

If we tried that, the ball would probably freeze solid even before it got to the car.

[kawelch]

This is beginning to sound like a job for MythBusters and I don't care what anyone says I would bet a month's salary that they'd be able to get a Poof-ball to shatter a car window.

[EOC]

If the foam ball was dunked in liquid nitrogen, it could work.

[KenWittlief]

If the poof ball were launched in a vacuum then it could go fast enough to break a windshield

it might have to be going 18,000mph, but in space...

[this is rapidly turning into a 'how many engineers does it take....' contest :^) ]

[Arkorobotics]

Originally Posted by KenWittlief

If the poof ball were launched in a vacuum then it could go fast enough to break a windshield

it might have to be going 18,000mph, but in space...

[this is rapidly turning into a 'how many engineers does it take....' contest :^) ]

Wouldn't the ball disintegrate in mid air or when it hits the windshield