Name: Momentum Lab
Directions: Go to http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/collision-lab and click Run Now.
Make sure the 1-d box is checked.
Part 1
Scenario #1:
Elastic collision between balls of equal mass
- Make a hypothesis about initial and final momentums before playing with the sim.
- Make a data table for the following: mass, velocity and momentum of each ball before and after.
- What is the relationship between the initial and final total momentums?
- Describe the motion of the balls before and after the collision?
Scenario #2:
Elastic collision between balls of unequal mass.
- Make a hypothesis about initial and final momentums before playing with the sim.
- Make a data table for the following: mass, velocity and momentum of each ball before and after
- What is the relationship between the initial and final total momentums?
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- Describe the motion of the balls before and after the collision?Part 2Create 3 more distinct scenarios in 1-d including one totally inelastic collision. Make a hypothesis whether or not each will follow conservation of momentum. Collect some data and prove or disprove your hypothesis.
Summary: Describe the main ideas learned in this activity regarding initial and final total momentum in 1-d collisions.
- Describe the motion of the balls before and after the collision?Part 2Create 3 more distinct scenarios in 1-d including one totally inelastic collision. Make a hypothesis whether or not each will follow conservation of momentum. Collect some data and prove or disprove your hypothesis.