Project: Video analysis of a collision using
conservation of momentum
This project is worth a ______________________ grade.
This project is due on _____________________.
What you need to do:
Either alone or with a partner, find or create a video of two objects colliding head-on.
Analyze and perform calculations on the collision, and include your information in a 4 page
report.
Things that must be included:
 Find or create a video of two objects colliding head-on.
 Estimate the mass of object #1 before collision
 Estimate the mass of object #2 before collision
 Find the initial velocity of object #1
 Find the initial velocity of object #2
 Identify whether the collision was “elastic” or “non-elastic”. Explain why it is that type
of collision.
 Perform calculations using Conservation of Mass in a data table provided.
 Write a summary of your results.
 Write a conclusion.
Report Format
Page 1.
i.
ii.
Project Title
Partners Names
Page 2.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Objectives
Video Link
Estimation of objects’ masses and velocities
Determining collision types and explaining why that type of
collision is applicable
Page 3.
i.
ii.
iii.
Calculation table
Results
Conclusion
Page 4.
Project Rubric
Mass (m1)
Mass (m2)
Initial Velocity (v1)
Initial Velocity (v2)
Initial momentum (p1)
Initial momentum (p2)
Initial System momentum (pTOT)
Type of collision and why.
Final Velocity (v1)
Final Velocity (v2)
Final momentum (p1)
Final momentum (p2)
Final System momentum (pTOT)
RESULTS: Be specific and write in complete sentences. Defend the validity of your estimates. Why are your
estimates good or bad? Discuss your process to arrive at your estimates. Discuss your use of standard
scientific units within this project How might using different units of measure (ex. Pounds, and m/s etc.) effect
your results?
CONCLUSION: Be specific and write in complete sentences. Discuss the most difficult aspects of arriving at
your results (selection of video, estimating mass and velocities etc.) How could you have approached this
project differently? How does understanding the concepts of momentum assist our understanding of the real
world?
Momentum Project Rubric
_________1. Find or create a video of two objects colliding head-on (20 pts.)
_________2. Estimate the mass of object #1 before collision (5 pts.)
_________3. Estimate the mass of object #2 before collision (5 pts.)
_________4. Initial velocity of object #1___________(5 pts.)
_________5. Initial velocity of object #2___________(5 pts.)
_________6. Identify the type of collision. Explain why it is that type of collision. (10 pts.)
_________7. Calculations using Conservation of Mass (30pts.)
_________8. Results (10pts.)
_________9. Conclusions (10pts.)
________10.
Total Points