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?  
• • Describe the motion of the balls before and after the collision?Part 2

    Create 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.