®
Ballistic Pendulum Accessory
Experiment 2: Conservation of Momentum and Energy
16
012-09842C
Further Study VI: Horizontal Collision
Repeat the experiment with the apparatus in one of the configurations shown in Fig-
ure 2.6 and 2.7 using parts from the Mini Rotational Accessory (ME-8968) and a sec-
ond three-step pulley. Use two sliding masses to balance the system with the ball in
the catcher. Add the disk and (optionally) the ring to increase the moment of inertial.
After the collision, stop the catcher with your hand before it swings around and hits
the back of the launcher.
In this variation of the experiment, there is no maximum displacement because the
system would continue to rotate indefinitely if it were allowed to. What is the change
in potential energy of the system?
Figure 2.6: Setup for horizontal collision with disk only
Figure 2.7: Setup for horizontal collision with disk and ring
Sliding masses
Additional three-step
pulley
Disk
Sliding masses
Additional three-step
pulley
Disk
Ring