Momentum Lab CBR.
Name:________________
Purpose:
In this experiment, students will develop a relationship between the initial
and final momentum for carts involved in collisions.
Equipment:
 2 CBR
 T1 84 Calculator
Experimental Set-up PASPORT:
1. Connect the CBR interface to the TI Calculator port of the computer and
plug the Motion Sensor into the interface.
2. Attach this Motion Sensor to the left of the track.
3. Plug another Motion Sensor into the interface.
4. Attach this Motion Sensor to the right of the track as in the picture above.
5. Make sure the Motion Sensors point parallel to the track.
Pre-Lab Questions:
1. How do you calculate the total momentum of a system that involves to
objects? For example, how do you calculate the total momentum of two
cars as they are about to collide?
2. What are the units?
3. What are some other collisions besides "head-to-head" collisions?
Data Collection Procedure:
1. Find the mass of each cart and enter into Data Table 1 below.
2. Repeat steps 3-6 for a total of 10 collisions varying the velocities of the
carts.
Data Table 1
Mass of Cart 1 (kg)
Mass of Cart 2 (kg)
Data Table 2
Initial
Final
Collision Velocity Velocity Velocity Velocity
#
1
2
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Analysis
1. Calculate the total initial momentum and total final momentum for each
of the 10 collisions. Add to the chart
Conclusions/Questions:
1. Discuss the momentum of two carts before a head-on collision. Compare
to the momentum after the collision as they move away in opposite
directions.
2. Discuss the initial and final momentum of a firecracker before and after it
explodes.
3.
In billiards, a cue ball strikes a stationary eight ball head on. If the eight
ball is half the mass of the cue ball and if the cue ball becomes stationary
immediately after the collision, what is the velocity of the eight ball
immediately after the collision?