Math Challenge: Billiard ball problem

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  Collision detection with walls

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  Hard at work

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  Visual representation of Part 2

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  peak performance

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  Visual representation of Part 1

Inspiration

We followed the Math Challenge to build our project.

What it does

Our project is a simulation of billiard balls on a 2 dimensional plane with bouncing physics that assume there is no energy loss.

How we built it

We built it by using Xojo(a derivative of Visual Basic). We also did a lot of vector math and trigonometry on paper.

Challenges we ran into

For the first part, it was difficult to find out how to make the bounce work. We first thought of using vector math, but at the end, only trigonometry was needed.

For the second part, it was a challenge to figure out the vector collision detection. To resolve the issue, we thought of the vectors as segments and applied a formula which calculates whether the intersection of the vectors exists. Then, we had to find the angles of the balls when they bounce of walls. We decided to use light physics, like when light bounces off a mirror.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud to actually almost finish the project in time. Last year, we were not close, but this year we saw a huge level up in terms of speed and efficiency.

What we learned

We learned to manage our time well. Also, we learned that doing challenges is better for us instead of doing whatever we want, because we have a goal this time.

In terms of maths, we learned how to detect vector collisions, and we learned more about trigonometry. We also learned about dynamics and how to optimise a physics engine.

What's next for Math Challenge: Billiard ball problem

In the future, we hope to make this project 3 dimensional, to add different size balls and to make the physics more realistic(taking into account energy loss)

Built With

• xojo