Lab: 2D Collisions
Shea Physics – AP Phyz B
In this lab you are to determine whether momentum is conserved in collisions in 2 dimensions.
You are to use what you know about projectiles, vectors and conservation of momentum in order to see if
momentum is indeed conserved.
Ramp Experiment: The set-up is shown to the left for this lab. You will have a ramp that projects a ball
horizontally off the table (note – you do not need to set up
the plumb line). Using this you should be able to calculate
the initial momentum (suggestion – use conservation of
energy).
Then a second ball should be placed on the screw at
the end of the ramp. Using the landing position of each of
these you should be able to determine the final momentum
of each of the balls (suggestion – use projectiles…you are
looking for the initial horizontal velocity of each ball. You
will then need to break that velocity into x & y components
where x & y are in the plane of the floor. You can use trig or
a protractor to get the appropriate angle).
You should record any data that you feel needs to be
collected. Show all of your calculations and all raw data
collected.
Video Analysis:
In this experiment you will be using the video analysis feature of the LoggerPro program to analyze a collision
we taped in class. Your first step is to start the program and INSERT Movie. Clip can be found on my
webpage.
Summary of steps
1. Insert movie clip. (Insert→Movie)
2. Click on red dots in bottom right corner of your movie to open video analysis toolbar.
3. You will need to track each object separately. Click on the target (2nd button down) to plot points.
When you have finished the first ball, click the “Set Active Point” (6th button down) and choose “Add
point series” then plot the second ball.
4. Remember to set a scale (fourth button down) from an object of known size so the computer can
calculate accurate distances and velocities. If you would like, establish an origin and coordinate system (3rd
button down) so the computer can calculate components.
5. Use the velocity components for each object in order to calculate the momentums.
Lab: 2D Collisions
Shea Physics – AP Phyz B
Name:
DATA and CALCULATIONS PAGE
Raw data collected: You should include an additional page with diagrams and all data and calculations that
you made during the ramp experiment. Make sure it is organized and legible. You may do this on the back.
Initial momentum
Ramp Experiment
Video Analysis
Mass of object 1 (kg)
Mass of object 2 (kg)
Momentum of object 1
x-direction (kg m/s)
Momentum of object 1
y-direction (kg m/s)
Momentum of object 2
x-direction (kg m/s)
Momentum of object 2
y-direction (kg m/s)
Total momentum
x-direction (kg m/s)
Total momentum
y-direction (kg m/s)
Total momentum
(magnitude and direction)
Final momentum
Ramp Experiment
Video Analysis
Ramp Experiment
Video Analysis
Mass of object 1 (kg)
Mass of object 2 (kg)
Momentum of object 1
x-direction (kg m/s)
Momentum of object 1
y-direction (kg m/s)
Momentum of object 2
x-direction (kg m/s)
Momentum of object 2
y-direction (kg m/s)
Total momentum
x-direction (kg m/s)
Total momentum
y-direction (kg m/s)
Total momentum
(magnitude and direction)
% difference (po vs. pf)