Parker Austin
Virtual Momentum Lab Day One
Directions
Complete each section of the worksheet while using the Virtual Momentum Lab.
Review the following equations for perfectly elastic and perfectly inelastic collisions.
In a perfectly elastic collision, the following equation holds true:
m1v1(initial) + m2v2(initial) = m1v1(final) + m2v2(final)
m1 = mass of object 1, m2 = mass of object 2
v1 = velocity of object 1, v2 = velocity of object 2
In a perfectly inelastic collision, the following equation holds true:
m1v1(initial) + m2v2(initial) = (m1+ m2)vfinal
m1 = mass of object 1, m2 = mass of object 2
v1 = initial velocity of object 1, v2 = initial velocity of object 2
vfinal = final velocity of both objects
Virtual Lab Procedures
• Click on "Go to Lab."
• Select "Simulation" and then click on the "Proceed" arrow.
• Select "Perfectly elastic collision", and then click the "Proceed" arrow. © 2013 Connections Education LLC. All rights reserved.
Experiment 1 – Elastic Collision (e=1)
Note: In a perfectly elastic collision, the elasticity coefficient is always 1. The elasticity is already
set at 1 in the Virtual Lab and cannot be adjusted. After the collision, the two objects should
bounce back in opposite directions.
1. Follow the directions on the “Set Up Experiment” screen to choose the masses.
Record the masses (with units) you chose below (you pick)
Note: You MUST include units ("kg" or "m/s") on all numeric values
Ball A (m1):
Ball B (m2):
Click the "Start Experiment" arrow and then the "Proceed" arrow to get to the
experiment table.
Follow the "Procedure" on the left side to complete the experiment. Note: The value of
the velocity of Ball B is negative because the value takes direction into account. Objects
traveling to the left will have a negative velocity while objects traveling to the right will
have a positive velocity.
Record your chosen initial velocities (with...