LAB REPORT

Done by: Haya Raed zueter

Conservation of How does an elastic collision

Momentum between two carts affect the

conservation of momentum and
kinetic energy?

Materials Used/Required:

PASCO Smart Cart, blue, with magnetic bumper

PASCO Smart Cart, red, with magnetic bumper
PASCO Dynamics Track with feet
PASCO Cart Masses, 250 g (2)
PASCO Dynamics Track End Stop (2)
Balance, 0.1 g resolution, 2,000 g capacity
Data collection system

Theory: Hypothesis :
According to the theory of conservation of momentum, if no external forces
occur upon a closed system, its total momentum stays constant. This idea The hypothesis of this lab experiment is that in an elastic collision both
holds true for collisions that are inelastic as well as elastic. Momentum and the total momentum as well as the total kinetic energy will be
kinetic energy are conserved in elastic collisions. Momentum and kinetic energy conserved. This ensures that the net momentum before collision will be
are not conserved in inelastic collisions. In order to comprehend the cumulative equal to the net momentum after collision, while the total energy at the
impact of uncertainties from various measures on the experimental outcomes, beginning of the collision will be equal to the total energy at the end of
the general theory of uncertainty combines these uncertainties. the collision.

Exploring Differences, in
Momentum and Kinetic Red cart
Energy, in Elastic Collisions

There seems to be a difference

noted in the data.

When we talk about a "discrepancy "

we are referring to a variation or
inconsistency, between the values
and the actual experimental values.
In the framework of this test;

Differences in Momentum; It was

noticed that the final momentum of Blue cart
the system did not precisely align
with the momentum. in Trial 1 while
the initial momentum was recorded
as 0.164 kg m/s the final momentum
was measured at 0.026 kg m/s. This
suggests a deviation from what
would be expected in terms of
momentum conservation.

Discrepancies in Kinetic Energy;

Likewise concerning energy though
most trials exhibited preservation Total System Momentum
(with initial and final kinetic energy And Kinetic Energy
values matching) Trial 3 displayed an
increase, in final kinetic energy
(0.033 J) compared to its initial
value (0.021 J).
 PROCEDURE
1. Measure and record the mass of each cart. (using a balance)
2. Place the carts on the track and set up motion sensors.
3. Set the initial velocity of the red cart while keeping the blue cart stationary.
4. Release the red cart and allow it to collide with the blue cart.
5. Record the final velocities of both carts post-collision.
6. Calculate the initial and final momentum and kinetic energy of the system.
7. Repeat the trials with different initial velocities for the red cart.
VARIABLES:
Independent Variable: Initial velocity of the carts
Dependent Variables: Final velocity, momentum, and kinetic energy of the carts
Controlled Variables: Mass of the carts, type of collision, friction on the track
OBSERVATIONS:
Part A: Red Cart Elastic Collision Data
Trials demonstrated varying final velocities for the red cart post-collision.
Initial and final momenta and kinetic energies were recorded and compared.
Part B: Blue Cart Elastic Collision Data
The blue cart, initially stationary, gained momentum and kinetic energy post-collision.
Data indicated a transfer of energy and momentum from the red cart to the blue cart.
Results:
Total System Momentum and Kinetic Energy
Trials showed discrepancies in the conservation of momentum, with final momentum values differing from
initial values.
Kinetic energy was mostly conserved except for minor discrepancies, especially in Trial 3 where an increase in
final kinetic energy was found.

OBSERVATIONS AND SPECIAL EXPERIMENTAL VARIATIONS

PROCEDURES :
Accuracy: To be accurate in results obtained the mass of the carts was
determined in an accurate manner. Discrepancies Noticed: Final
Minimizing Errors: This was done on a level surface and several trials were momentum values showed deviations
made to ensure that the results obtained were as close to the true value as was from the expected values, suggesting
possible.
measurement errors or unaccounted
Measurement Discrepancies: When rounding OFF the slight inconsistencies are
as follows – Rounding them to zero makes it more compatible with conservation forces.
laws and rounding plays a very important role in the experiment analysis. Kinetic Energy Observations: Most
Reflecting on the Experiment: trials demonstrated conservation of
This lab re-emphasized the principles of conservation laws and made one
kinetic energy, with the exception of
aware of the practical complications that form the basis of experimental
physics. The numerical values, particularly when rounded up to whole numbers, Trial 3.
also supported the conservation of both momentum and kinetic energy as Special Procedures: Ensured accurate
predicted by the theory. If the difference in the momentum were rounded to mass measurement, minimized friction
zero, the experiment showed that the total momentum of the two objects was
by leveling the track, and took multiple
conserved throughout the elastic collisions. This agrees with the theoretical
concepts of conservation laws where the measurements are crucial and even measurements for accuracy.
small errors in the experimental setups can be a significant problem. The
results presented, therefore, confirm the hypothesis and the understanding
that momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in elastic collisions as
postulated in physics.
GRAPH OF CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM FOR ELASTIC
COLLISIONS

DESCRIPTION:
CONSERVATION OF KINETIC ENERGY FOR ELASTIC
COLLISIONS