For most people, a pool is a casual game played with friends. But for some of us, it’s a serious sport that requires skill and precision. So what’s inside a billiard ball? Let’s find out!
Are pool balls hollow?
Pool balls have an illusion of solidity, but many are shocked to discover that pool balls are not solid – they are hollow. Not only that but the inside of the ball is filled with a variation of either sand or lead pellets which help give it its weight.
Although these pellets may make up the bulk of a pool ball’s weight, their small size means they can move around and even shift when the ball is struck with a pool cue.
Speaking of movement, it is believed that some pool balls may have a displacement of up to 5 millimeters as they spin across the table thanks to the combination of gravity and inertia which creates an imbalanced feeling on occasion.
What are old pool balls made of?
Most of us are familiar with the feel of pool balls, as we’ve been playing pool for years with friends or family. But have you ever wondered what these balls are made of? Believe it or not, older sets of pool balls were made from different materials such as ivory and wood before the more modern version that is now seen which uses plastic or resin.
These original versions may have been lightweight and easier to handle but they tended to crack and break while being used over time. In contrast, today’s pool balls are now mostly made from phenolic – a type of plastic designed specifically to endure long-term play. Plus, the colorings on these new versions are much more consistent and vivid making them look more stylish in any room.
How are the balls lined up in the pool?
Setting up the balls for a game of pool can be a bit intimidating at first – especially if you have never done it before. But, once you get the hang of it, it’s quite an easy process. Essentially, all you need to do is arrange the balls in numerical order from one to fifteen in their respective spots.
The cues ball is usually placed at the apex of the triangle (the middle of the table); while the top and bottom spots are taken by either the 1 or 5-ball – alternating each game. For a fun twist, if you would like to switch up your setup every round, you can feel free to organize them any way you’d like (just make sure they are still numbered correctly!).
Learn how to line up pool balls and next time when you’re ready to rack ’em up – you’ll be a pro in no time!
Are billiard balls ceramic?
It’s often assumed that billiard balls are made of ceramic, but this is only true for some types. Regulations stipulate that professional or tournament-level billiard balls must be made of phenolic resin, a manmade plastic material. However, amateur-level balls don’t have to abide by the same regulations and can instead be the more aesthetically pleasing option: ceramic.
Ceramic rounders are more expensive, but they won’t break as easily as their plastic counterparts when they take a tough knock – plus they add an extra bit of shine to your table too! All that being said, there is something nice about sticking with traditional standards in billiards, so if you’re all set up with glassy phenolic balls, don’t feel like switching them out would make much difference!
Why do pool balls turn yellow?
Pool balls have long been a staple of barrooms and recreation rooms across the world, but have you ever wondered why they all turn yellow over time? This mystery has a scientific explanation: Pool balls are made from polyester and clay covered in plastic.
With constant exposure to heat, light, and humidity, the thin plastic layer can begin to degrade. What’s interesting is that the resulting breakdown in molecules isn’t uniform or consistent, leading to some colors fading faster than others.
Fortunately for u,s pool players, yellow is one of those colors that last longest without fading away, so it becomes increasingly prevalent as other colors disappear over time. As a result, even if you buy your own brand-new set of pool balls today, don’t be surprised if they start to turn more mustard-colored within a few years!
Can I drill into a pool ball?
Drilling into a pool ball may seem like an odd concept, but there are a couple of reasons why some people choose to do it. Some individuals customize their pool ball set by adding personal touches; such as initials or designs, to the balls and drilling is the most effective way to add these details.
In addition, if one of the balls becomes cracked, they drill out the cracked area which can be filled with epoxy resin and then re-drilled. Either way, anyone wanting to take on this task should make sure that they use the proper tools and take safety precautions to achieve effective results.
Summing Up
So there you have it! The next time someone asks you what’s inside your billiard ball, you can impress them with your knowledge. Who knows, maybe you’ll even start a conversation about the history of billiards. Thanks for reading!
