Conservation of Momentum Lab
I. Objective
The objective is to determine if momentum is conserved during 1-D and 2-D collisions.
II. Hypothesis
We believe that the momentum will be conserved in both the 1-D and the 2-D collisions based on our knowledge of conservation of momentum.
The main formula we will be using is p (kg * m/s) = p' (kg * m/s).
The manipulated variable is the initial velocity of the pucks. The responding variable is the momentum of the pucks. The controlled variables are the mass of the pucks, the area they have to travel, the interval of the spark generator, and the amount of air in the air compressor.
III. Equipment
Air Table
Air Compressor
Spark Generator
Pucks
IV. Procedure
Find a flat, level surface to place the air table onto.
Once the air table is placed, hook the air compressor to the air table and pucks.
Place spark generator somewhere safe, hook it up to air table and pucks.
Place foot pedal for the spark generator under the table.
See teacher to properly adjust settings on the air compressor and spark generater.
Place blank piece of paper onto the air table.
Do practice run for 1-D collision. (see #8 for details)
1-D Collision: One person holding the puck in one corner is pushing a puck into another puck being held in place in the middle by another group member. As this is going on, have another group member countdown and press on the spark generator pedal to start the lab. Have the second group member let go of the stationary puck just before the collision occurs. De-press the foot pedal after the collision has occurred.
Take pucks off the air table. Flip the paper to see the holes made by the pucks through the sparks generated by the spark generator. Record before and after directly on the paper and label for analysis post lab.
Leave same side of the paper as the 1-D collision records face up on the air table.
Do practice run for 2-D collision. (see #11...