Pool and Geometry?

Question

Can someone explain with details on how pool in geometric terms?

Answer 1

Without regard to any other factors (spin on the ball, etc.), the angle at which the ball hits the rail (the side of the table) is the same angle at which it bounces off in the other direction. Imagine a straight line (the side of the pool table) with two rays emanating from one point. Each ray represents the path of the ball, pre-bounce and post-bounce. The angle that each ray makes with the rail is the same.

Answer 2

It would be nice if it were that easy.

But the balls are not point objects. And then there's friction - between the cue and the cue ball, between the balls and the cloth, and between the balls.

You can think generally in geometric terms, but when it comes down to lining up a shot, you have to account for the diameter of the balls and the various frictional forces.

There are a number of beginner's level pool books out there. But you would probably be better off finding someone in your area to teach you.

Answer 3

A rectangular swimming pool with a constant gradient from the shallow end to the deep end has a lengthways cross-section in the shape of a trapezium.

The length of the vertical sides are the depth of the pool at each end.
The length of the flat horizontal surface is the length of the pool.
From the depth at each end, you can calculate the gradient of the pool floor.