A billiard ball struck by a cue travels in the same direction as the cue unless the ball is struck toward one side in order to impart sidespin. In that case the ball deflects or "squirts" away from the line of approach of the cue, typically by a few degrees. Measurements and calculations are presented showing how a cue tip slides across the ball if it is unchalked, resulting in a large squirt angle, and how it grips the ball when it is chalked, resulting in a smaller squirt angle. (c) 2008 American Association of Physics Teachers.
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