Investigating Momentum

T1
5 m/s
T2
-2 m/s
0m
2m
4m
6m
8m
10m
Trolley reached edge! Capture results now.

Instructions

Aim: To investigate whether momentum is consrved in a collision.

  1. Set the masses and initial velocity of the trolleys.
  2. Keep the collision type as elastic for now.
  3. Press 'Start Simulation' and observe the collision.
  4. The 'Capture Results' button will record the mass and velocity of each trolley before and after the collision.
  5. Calculate the momentum of each trolley before and after the collision and enter into the table for checking.
  6. Is the total momentum the same before and after the collision?
  7. Try a range of different scenarios – e.g. both trolleys moving towards each other, one trolley initially not moving, both moving in the same direction.

Trolley 1

1 kg 2 kg 10 kg
-10 m/s 5 m/s 10 m/s

Trolley 2

1 kg 4 kg 10 kg
-10 m/s -2 m/s 10 m/s

Experiment Results

Before Collision

# Collision Type m₁ (kg) v₁ before (m/s) m₂ (kg) v₂ before (m/s) p₁ before (kg m/s) p₂ before (kg m/s) p total before (kg·m/s)
No results captured yet. Run a simulation and click "Capture Results".

After Collision

# Collision Type m₁ (kg) v₁ after (m/s) m₂ (kg) v₂ after (m/s) p₁ after (kg m/s) p₂ after (kg m/s) p total after (kg·m/s) Notes
No results captured yet. Run a simulation and click "Capture Results".

Physics Explanation

Conservation of Momentum: In an isolated system, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision.

Momentum formula: p = m × v (mass × velocity)

Elastic Collision: Objects bounce off each other with no loss of kinetic energy.

Inelastic Collision: Some kinetic energy is converted to other forms (like heat or sound).

Perfectly Inelastic Collision: Objects stick together after collision, moving with a common velocity.