Physics 141, Fall 2007.

In this laboratory we will conduct collision experiments to study the correlation between loss of kinetic energy and deformation of soda cans.

We will be carrying out the collisions in the May room in Wilson Commons, using two large collision carts. Each collision will be videotaped for off-line analysis. Before we will carry out the collisions we will need to determine the parameters we need to record. Good record keeping is important. Each student will carry out two collisions. As part of the analysis the following questions will be asked:

• determine the momenta of the carts (+students) before and after the collision
• determine the kinetic energies of the carts (+students) before and after the collision
• determine the correlation between the total change in the kinetic energy in the collision and the deformation of the cans
• determine the correlation between the change in the momentum of a cart the deformation of the cans on that cart

In order to be able to answer these questions we need to make sure that we records the following information:

• mass of the carts
• length of the carts (for calibration in video point)
• mass of the students
• type and dimensions of cans used
• deformation of cans after the collision

The analysis of this collision experiment will be carried out during the next two weeks (see details discussed in class on Tuesday 11/13 and Thursday 11/15).

Details about the collisions can be found by looking at the following pages:

Afternoon Collisions:

• Collisions 01 - 10
• Collisions 11 - 20
• Collisions 21 - 26

Evening Collisions:

• Collisions 101 - 110
• Collisions 111 - 120
• Collisions 121 - 122

Details about the analysis procedure can be found by clicking here. Links to the collision videos can also be found here.

Last updated on Friday, November 16, 2007 12:43