9
012-07558A
PAScar Accessory Track Set (2.2 Meter)
®
Experiment 2: Conservation of Momentum in Collisions
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– 2 PAScars with Mass (ME-6950)
– (2) Bumper magnet set (installed)
– Dynamics Track
– Paper*
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to qualitatively explore conservation of momentum for elastic
and inelastic collisions.
Theory
When two cars collide with each other, the total momentum
p=mv
of both cars is conserved,
regardless of the type of collision. An elastic collision is one in which the two cars bounce off
each other with no loss of kinetic energy. In this experiment, magnetic bumpers are used to
minimize the energy losses due to friction during the collision. In reality, this “elastic” collision
is slightly inelastic. A completely inelastic collision is one in which the two cars hit and stick to
each other. In this experiment, this is accomplished with the Velcro pads on the ends of the
cars.
Procedure
1. Level the track by setting a car on the track to see which way it rolls. Adjust the leveling feet at
the end of the track to raise or lower that end until a car placed at rest on the track will not
move.
2. Draw two diagrams (one for before the collision and one for after the collision) for each of the
following cases. In each diagram, show a velocity vector for each car with a length that ap-
proximately represents the relative speed of the car.
Part I: Elastic Collisions
A. Cars with Equal Mass
Orient the two cars so their magnetic bumpers are toward each other.
Case 1:
Place one car at rest in the middle of the track. Give the other car an initial velocity
toward the car at rest.
Case 2:
Start the cars with one at each end of the track. Give each car approximately the same
velocity toward each other.
Case 3:
Start both cars at one end of the track. Give the first car a slow velocity and the second
car a faster velocity, so that the second car catches the first car.
Leveling foot
Figure 2.1
*Not included in Track Set
Summary of Contents for ME-6956
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