Theoretical Analysis

Introduction

Objective: To prove experimentally the law of conservation of energy of linear momentum in inelastic collisions.

Theoretical Analysis: Isaac Newton defined the product of an object´s mass and velocity as momentum. Total momentum of a system. The collisions among the bodies can be elastic and inelastic. A collision is elastic when kinetic energy is conserved, and inelastic when is not conserved, in both cases the momentum before the collision is equal to the momentum after de collision. Experimentally is observed when a collision occur, total momentum of a system do not vary, it is a principle of conservation of momentum and it is constant rule of nature.

In this experiment we will prove the conservation of the momentum in collision using a linear air track system, and two gliders to demonstrate the principle of change in momentum and to know if it is an elastic or inelastic collision.

Data

Test M1(g) X1(cm) T1(S) M2(g) X2(cm) T2(s)

1 147.5g 38.5 cm 2 sec 287.3 g 15.2cm 5.6 sec

1. Be v1=x1/t1 v2=x2/t1

V1=38.5 /2 v2=15.2/5.6

V1=19.5 cm/s v2=2.71 cm/s

2. Calculate the change in total momentum. What can you deduce from this result?

A= (.2873)(0.0271) - (.1475)(.195)= -.0209 kgm/s

I can deduce that the collision receive a negative impulse.

3. What can you deduce from the change in kinetic energy composed by masses 1 and 2?

A= I can deduce that the kinetic energy wasn’t conserved, so it was an inelastic collision

4. If the glider sticks together after the collision, how will be their final speed (equals, different, zero, one greater than other)?

A= the speed will be one greater than other.

Conclusion

In conclusion in this experiment we demonstrate that if the collision in this experiment is inelastic due loss of kinetic energy in the collision and due the change in momentum.

References

Physics 2 Textbook, published by the UNAL.

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