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Momentun Fin
Momentun Fin
of conservation of
Momentum, to demonstrate
elastic and inelastic
collision
Introduction
Momentum is a product of mass and
velocity, and is a vector quantity.
According to the law of conservation
which states that if there is no
external forces acting on the system,
the momentum is conserved at all time.
The most popular way to study the
conservation of momentum is through
the study of collision. There are two
kinds of collision; elastic collision,
where both momentum and kinetic
energy is conserved, and inelastic
collision, where only momentum is
conserved. However, external forces
such as friction do act onto objects
in real life, meaning that the momentum
is not 100% conserved.
Also, macroscopic collision, or the
collision that could be seen by bare
eyes, are usually inelastic, meaning
that kinetic energy is converted to
other forms.
Materials
1. Measure the mass of each of the
carts by using the mass scale. Note
down the mass for further
calculations.
2. Level the Vernier track carefully by
adjusting the leveling screws.
3. Position cart #1 at the end of the track
4. Let the position of 30 cm from the end be
the start position
5. Let the position of 50 cm be the collision
position by placing another cart (Cart #1) here.
6. Let the position of 70 cm be the finish position.
7. Prepare two stop watches, one for finding the initial
velocity (time from 30cm-50cm) and another for the
final velocity (time from 50cm-70cm)
Inelastic Elastic
Part 1 : Inelastic collision
1. For inelastic collision, position the cart by letting the velcro side of
each of the cart facing each other.
2. Lightly push cart #2
3. When each of the cart reach the velocity deciding line, lap the timer.
5. When the cart collide, lap the timer again. Take in account the position
where both cart collide.
6. When the cart reach the velocity deciding line again, lap the timer.
7. If there is additional mass, add the mass then repeat step 2-6 again.
Time Initial Initial Initial Time Final Final mo- Final %diff
taken velocity momen- kinetic taken Velocity mentum kinetic of
for of cart tum of energy for of cart of the energy mo-
cart #2 the (gcm/s ) cart#1 #1 system (gcm/s ) mentu
#2 to system to (cm/s) m
travel (cm/s) travel (gcm/s)
20 cm (gcm/s) 20 cm
(s) (s)
Reference
Giancoli, D. C. (1998). Physics: Principles with applications
(Global ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.