PHYS 251 L

Conservation of Momentum
Data Section
Mass of the aluminum sphere 23.12 grams
Mass of the steel sphere is 63.96 grams
Mass of the catching mechanism is 116 grams

Table 1: Ballistic Pendulum Result

Sphere Δh1 Δ ℎ2 Δ ℎ3 Δ ℎ4 Δ ℎ5 Δℎ𝐴𝑉𝐺 Δ𝑉𝑖

Material (cm) (cm) (cm) (cm) (cm) (cm) (m/s)
Aluminum 3.9 3.5 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.8 5.2
Steel 11.5 11.6 12.9 12.7 12.7 12.3 4.4

Table 2: Kinematics Results

Sphere 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅4 𝑅5 𝑅𝐴𝑉𝐺 𝑉𝑖
Material (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) H (m) (m/s)
Aluminum 2.31 2.26 2.32 2.26 2.25 2.28 0.8 5.5
Steel 1.92 1.87 1.86 1.82 1.84 1.88 0.8 4.5

Percent difference in the aluminum sphere results is 5.76%

Percent difference in the steel sphere result is 2.27%

1) Using the concepts outlined in the its introduction, derived Equation 1.

1
𝑚𝑣𝑖 2 = (𝑚 + 𝑀)𝑔ℎ
2
2(m + M)gh
𝑣𝑖 = √
m

2) In addition to the measured errors in the parameters h in the first experiment and R in
the second, a number of assumptions were also made in the equations. The first
experiment neglected the friction in the roller bearings and slippage of the clutch; the
second experiment neglected air friction. What other factors do you think are playing a
 significant role in this experiment causing the values to be off from the true velocity?
List two of your own factors and describe how each effect the determined velocity.

One important contribution that determines the initial velocity is the firing mechanism. Leveling
the firing arrangement with the ground may give a difference in initial velocity / momentum.

The initial elevation and angle of the projectile may change the value of initial velocity by as
much as 10%

The momentum / energy will be transferred in a form of motion in the experimental frame. Every
time that position should be adjusted for a better result of firing distance.

The small rotation after the collision could affect the measurement. Most of the time this is
ignored and only conservation of linear momentum is obeyed. This assumption leads to about
5% error in the initial velocity measurement.

3) Earlier it was stated that mechanical energy was not conserved during the collision. The
degree to which this is true can be determined by examining the energies involved based on
some of the results provided in Table 1. Make sure all the energies calculated in this problem are
in Joules. To begin with calculated the magnitude of kinetic energy of the aluminum sphere
before impact by using the initial velocity determined from ballistic pendulum approach.

K.E. sphere = 312.58*10^-3 J

Once that has been calculated then, based on the average height the marble and catcher traveled
after collision, determine the magnitude of the kinetic energy of the aluminum sphere and
catcher right after impact.

K.E. ball and catcher = 51.81*10^-3 J

Lastly, determine the percent energy lost during the collision.

[(K.E. sphere - K.E. ball and catcher) / K.E. sphere] x 100% = 83.4%

Energy lost is -260.77*10^-3 J

4) Using the ballistic pendulum simulation (link provided below) and the Equation 1, determine
the vertical height (h) and the initial velocity (vi) for the simulated system if (a) the mass of the
marble was quadrupled, (b) if both the mass of the catcher and the marble are quadrupled.
http://www.wiley.com/college/halliday/0470469080/simulations/sim13/sim13.html.

m (kg) M (kg) h (m) 𝑚

𝑣𝑖 ( )
𝑠
0.05 0.5 0.22 6.89
0.20 0.5 2.2 7.77
0.20 2.0 2.2 13.77