In general, a rubber ball will bounce higher than a steel ball. This is because rubber is an elastic material, meaning it can deform when compressed and then return to its original shape, thereby storing and releasing energy during the bouncing process. On the other hand, steel is a relatively rigid material with less elasticity.
When a rubber ball is dropped or thrown onto a hard surface, it compresses upon impact, storing potential energy. This potential energy is then converted back into kinetic energy as the ball rebounds, causing it to bounce back up. The elasticity of the rubber allows it to store and release a significant amount of energy, resulting in a higher bounce.
In contrast, a steel ball is much less deformable and has limited elasticity. When a steel ball hits a hard surface, it does not compress as much as a rubber ball, and a larger portion of the kinetic energy is transferred to the surface as sound or heat rather than being stored and used for the bounce. Consequently, the steel ball will typically bounce lower than a rubber ball.
However, it's worth noting that the specific properties of the rubber and steel, such as their composition, size, and surface conditions, can affect the bouncing behavior. So, while rubber generally bounces higher than steel, there can be variations depending on the specific characteristics of the balls involved.