CONCLUSION
Last paragraph in conclusion – what is emphasized?
We were able to obtain results that were consistent with
the proposed equations. Mainly, the concept of momentum
and energy conservation was observed experimentally using
colliding carts on a track in one dimension. Although the
known equations were not exactly proven, our values were
close enough to suggest that the experimental steps were
conducted properly and that yes, momentum and energy were
conserved. The values obtained from both cases reflect the
expected results. Overall, the lab was a success since the
predicted equations were found. The idea of conservation of
momentum and energy are central to the study of physics. The
validity of equations derived from the fact that energy and
momentum are conserved allow for a wide variety of problems
to be solved and situations to be analyzed. It is important to
note however that the majority of collisions that occur in real
life are inelastic collisions, and therefore cannot be analyzed in
the same manner as we have done in this lab.
From Misser, E. (2008). Writing workshop for students. Retrieved 6 November 2008,
from http://www.wlu.ca/writing.
First paragraph of DISCUSSION
The following information summarizes the observations
made for each case. Starting with case one, it was observed
that initially cart 1 was moving and cart 2 was at rest, while
after the collision, cart 1 was at rest and cart 2 was moving.
Additionally, it appeared that the final velocity of cart 2 was
equal to the initial velocity of cart 1. This was confirmed
through the calculations above. Qualitatively, without involving
the use of calculations and formulas, it could be observed that
in a sense, the energy of cart 1 was somehow transferred to
cart 2. Approaching the situation from a physics standpoint,
this behavior can be described taking into account the fact that
it was an elastic collision. This means that no damage was
done, and no energy was lost from the system throughout the
collision. As mentioned earlier, for elastic collisions, total
kinetic energy of a system is conserved. Technically speaking,
as cart 1 moving with an initial velocity collided with cart 2, all
of its kinetic energy was temporarily converted to potential
energy before being transferred to cart 2. In this way, although
kinetic energy is found in different locations before and after
the collision, total kinetic energy was conserved.
In case two . . .
From Misser, E. (2008). Writing workshop for students. Retrieved 6 November 2008,
from http://www.wlu.ca/writing.