If I put a backward spin on a rubber band ball it returns spinning in the opposite direction. This does not happen with a tennis ball or basket ball. Why does the rubber band ball change its spinning direction?
The phenomenon you're observing with the rubber band ball is due to the elastic properties of the rubber bands. When you put a backward spin on the rubber band ball, the tension in the rubber bands causes them to resist and stretch. As a result, when you release the ball, the stored energy is released, causing the rubber bands to snap back into their original shape. This release of energy in the opposite direction of your initial spin causes the ball to spin in the opposite direction.
In contrast, tennis balls and basketballs are made of different materials (usually a combination of rubber and synthetic materials), which have different elastic properties compared to rubber bands. When you spin these balls in one direction, the materials do not store and release energy in the same way as rubber bands do. As a result, there is no transfer of energy that causes the ball to change its spinning direction.
It's important to note that the specific behavior of objects can sometimes depend on factors such as their physical properties, including shape, composition, and elasticity. So, the difference in behavior between the rubber band ball and tennis/basketball can be attributed to the specific materials and design of each.