In a game of pool, the white cue ball hits the #9 ball and is deflected at a 35 degree angle to the original line of motion. What is the angle of deflection below the original line of motion for the #9 ball.

Question

In a game of pool, the white cue ball hits the #9 ball and is deflected at a 35 degree angle to the original line of motion.  What is the angle of deflection below the original line of motion for the #9 ball.

jfraser · Answer

because the masses of the balls are approximately equal, the angle of collision must be a total of 90 degrees. If the angle of the #9 is 35 above the plane, what must the angle below be?

anonymous · Answer

oh, really? That would've been nice to know I was unaware of that fact.  So the other angle would be 55 degrees?

jfraser · Answer

yep. but it only works when the colliding objects are equal (or close to) in mass

anonymous · Answer

Ok, I understand.

anonymous · Answer

I'm going to post another question I'll comment you're name so you'll know