DECONSTRUCT, DESIGN AND DO: CONSERVATION OF LINEAR MOMENTUM PRACTICAL
aim
The aim of the investigation is to investigate momentum (p) and kinetic energy (K) before and after a collision
Equipment
2 Pascars
Pastrack
Sparkvue software downloaded on laptop
Ultrasonic motion detector
Speed gates (optional)
scales
DESIGN IDEAS
TRACKS
MASS
STARTING POSITIONS
to increase friction
putting sand on the track: it reduces how smooth the surface is
decrease friction
This would slow down the momentum and reduce the kinetic energy. The kinetic energy would be transformed into sound or heat energy
This wouldn't work as it could cause damage to the equipment
errors to avoid
results
Hazards
HOW THE CARS WILL MOVE
TYPE OF COLLISION
having car 1 have greater mass than car 2. This will be achieved through putting small weights on car 1
This would demonstrate the relationship between the increase in mass and the increase in kinetic energy (K) and momentum (p)
would be difficult to properly execute if the track was on a slant
the independent variable would be the mass. The mass would increase after each run. The track would most likely be level in order to accurately draw an reliable conclusion.
elastic collision
inelastic collision
difference in position of impact
head on collision
Car 1 collides with the front of car 2
run off road collisions
the front of car 1 collides with the middle of a moving car 2
It would be difficult to get the timing right for both cars to be moving but collide
original mass of pascar: 270g
would show the difference in momentum for both cars
a loss in kinetic energy. It is when the resultant kinetic energy from car 1 is not equal to the kinetic energy from car 2
when the kinetic energy after a collision is equal. Car 1 has the same kinetic energy as Car 2
slope of track
magnets
magnets attached on the head of each car
helps calculate velocity as the cars would supposedly stick together
same velocity
starting from an decline for Car 1 or car 2
starting on the top of an incline for both cars
starting on a decline for both cars
pushing the cars will result in an inaccuracy of initial velocity which would make it difficult to accuratley replicate
If on a slope, measuring the angle of the slope to replicate the experiment if needed
The results will be recorded in a table. Figure ___ is an example of the type of table used to record the results.
the pascar going off of the designated area and colliding with someone
not handling the car's in a correct and responsible manner resulting in the damage of equipment
5x50g
materials needed
2 smart cars
5x 50g mass
tracks
scales
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
throwing the cars and it colliding with someone
the car having too much velocity and going off of the tracks and colliding with someone
the weights falling off of the car, and it falls and lands on someone, injuring an appendage due to the increase in momentum.
putting too much weight on the car resulting in it breaking and sending parts of it shooting at other people
the tracks not properly being connected which causes the cars to slightly slow down or completely derail
the car derailing and smashing into the computer which causes the computer to break
FINAL IDEA
one car (car A) is placed in the middle of the track and the other car (car B) is placed so that the magnet is placed with the same charge as the stopper. Car B is pulled back to 3cm away from the stopper. Car B is released and collides with Car A. Car B will be increasing the mass after each test.
variables
what is being changed
materials needed
starting in the middle of the track
2 smart cars
two tracks used for smart cars
five 50g weights
ruler if the track doesn't contain measurements
a device that is connected to the cars
the amount of weight on the car is being altered
what is staying consistent
the starting position of each car
Car A starts in the middle of the track
Car B starts 3 cm away from the stopper. This is generally as far the Car and the stopper can be placed due to the like charges
the initial velocity of Car B
smooth surface
HYPOTHESIS: The increase of mass will reduce the final velocity but the momentum will remain the same
the smart car tracks
the smart cars used
units used
momentum: kgm/s.
Force: N
velocity: Final = V: Initial = u
mass: grams (g)
independent variable: the mass placed on top of Car B
Dependent Variable: the velocity of the cars after they stick together