In this lab you are to determine whether momentum is conserved in collisions in 2dimensions. 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. Using this you should be able to
calculate the initial momentum.
Then a second ball should be placed
at the same height as the ball leaving the
ramp such that the angle that the balls
collide at is approximately 45 degrees.
Using the landing position of each of these
you should be able to determine the final
momentum of each of the balls.
It is recommended that you do
several trials for both the initial landing
position and the landing positions of the
two balls after the collision.
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 Logger Pro program to
analyze a collision we taped in class. Your first step is to start the program and INSERT
Movie. Clips can be found in:
\\ghsnas\StudentAssignments\Assignment Pickup\Science\Hutton\
Summary of steps (detailed instructions are available on the video analysis handout)
1. Insert movie clip.
2. Click on red dots in bottom right corner of your movie to open video analysis
toolbar.
3. You will need track each object separately. Completely track one object first
and then go back in the video and track the second object. Use the set active
point tool to switch between objects.
4. Remember to set a scale from an object of known size so the computer can
calculate accurate distances and velocities. Also, establish an origin and
coordinate system so the computer can calculate components.
5. Use the velocity components for each object in order to calculate the
momentums.
DATA and CALCULATIONS PAGE
Raw data collected: You should include an additional page with diagrams and all data
and calculations that you made during this lab. Make sure it is organized and legible.
Initial 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)
Final momentum
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)
Ramp Experiment
Video Analysis
% difference (po vs. pf)
Conclusions / results: Write a brief paragraph explaining your results and supporting
any conclusions that you made with experimental data. Also be sure to include sources
of experimental error.