Collision Lab

(30points)

Purpose: To observe and describe the conservation of momentum between two objects. (2pts)

Hypothesis: (4pts) If two objects collide then the momentum of the first object will be….

Materials: (2pts) 2 rulers, 2 timers, 1 small marble, 1 large marble, 2 books

Group jobs: 1-time small marble – oldest person in the group

2-time large marble – youngest person in group
3-hold the large marble in place – person with shortest hair (who has not been picked yet)
4-write down the data – person without a job yet

Procedure:
1. Copy down the data tables below: (5pts each)

Trial Time small marble to travel Time large marble to travel

20cm before collision (sec) 20cm after collision (sec)
1
2
3
4
5
Avg. Time

Mass (Kg) Distance Average Velocity Momentum

(meters) time (sec) (m/sec) mass X velocity
(Kg x m/s)
Small
Marble
Large
Marble

2. Mass each marble in Kilograms and enter it into your data table.
3. Make a ramp like the illustration below, using two rulers and two books.
10cm – start
small marble

4. Make sure the grooves line up on both rulers so the marbles can role down.
5. Set one ruler with the 10cm mark on the edge of the two books.
6. Set the large marble on the 20cm mark on the flat ruler.
7. Set the small marble on the 10cm mark on the slanted ruler.
8. Let go of the small marble and measure the time it takes for the marble to travel 20cm before it
collides with the large marble.
9. When the small marble collides with the large marble measure the time it takes for the large marble to
travel 20cm – from 0 cm to 20 cm.
10. Enter the above data into your data tables.
11. Repeat steps 6-10 four more times and average the time.

Analyze and conclude: (2pts each) Answer each question and use complete sentences.

1. Do you accept or reject your hypothesis? Why or why not?

2. What is the equation for momentum?

3. What is the Law of Conservation of Momentum?

4. What was the difference between the momentum of the small marble before the collision and
the large marble after the collision?

5. Should the momentum of the two marbles be the same or different? Explain using your notes or book.

6. If there was a difference in momentum between the two marbles, what force or forces caused this to happen?