Physics 105

April 2, 2003

Today we will continue our study of collisions.

After finishing our work on one-dimensional collisions we will study two-dimensional collisions. We will analyze these two-dimensional collision and look at conservation of linear momentum and kinetic energy in such collisions. In order to do this we will look at elastic and inelastic collisions. The following videos will be analyzed:

• elastic_2d.vpt which is located in your handout folder
• inelastic_2d.vpt which is also located in your handout folder

For both of these experiments you must determine the total linear momentum and the total kinetic energy before and after the collision. Since this is a two-dimensional system you need to determine the x and y components of the momentum separately.

NOTE: calibrate your screen !!!!!!!

The lab report that is due next week should focus on conservation laws. We have looked at conservation of energy and linear momentum for both elastic and inelastic collisions in one dimension, using experiment 17. Your lab report should describe these measurements and study the conservation of energy and linear momentum in one dimension by discussing the results of the data obtained in experiment 17. You should also discuss your conclusions about these conservation laws in two dimensions, based on the results of your analysis of the two videos.

© Frank L. H. Wolfs, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA

Last updated on Monday, March 31, 2003 8:09