23, their connection with space and time properties

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXPERIMENTAL WORK

“STUDY OF ELASTIC AND INELASTIC COLLISIONS OF COLLISION CARTS”

Aim: To study different types of collisions using collision carts

Equipment: two collision carts (red and blue), loads of 250 g x 2, plastic track(4 m in length), motion sensors x 2, SPARK learning system, connection cables.

1)    Elastic collisions

NB! In this part of the experiment themagnetic sides of the carts will collide with each other.

Procedure:

1.     Place the plastic road on a horizontal surface.

2.     Connect motion sensors to each end of the track.

3.     Connect both motion sensors to the SPARK learning system.

4.     Put the SPARK learning system into the v(t) graphs mode.

5.     Place empty collision carts 8-10 centimeters away from the sensor on each side.

6.     Push the carts towards each other very gently. As you do so, start plotting the graph on the SPARK learning system.

7.     After the carts’ interaction, stop the SPARK learning system.

8.     Record the velocities of each cart before and after their interaction in the table below.

9.     Repeat steps 4-8 for the carts with different masses. To do this, place the loadson the carts.

10. Calculate the change in kinetic energy of the system of interacting bodies.

2)    Inelastic collisions

NB! In this part of the experiment thesticky sides of the carts will collide with each other.

Procedure:

1.     Place the plastic road on a horizontal surface.

2.     Connect motion sensors to each end of the track.

3.     Connect both motion sensors to the SPARK learning system.

4.     Put the SPARK learning system into the v(t) graphs mode.

5.     Place empty collision carts 8-10 centimeters away from the sensor on each side.

6.     Push the carts towards each other very gently. As you do so, start plotting the graph on the SPARK learning system.

7.     After the carts’ interaction, stop the SPARK learning system.

8.     Record the velocities of each cart before and after their interaction in the table below.

9.     Repeat steps 4-8 for the carts with different masses. To do this, place the loads on the carts.

10. Calculate the change in kinetic energy of the system of interacting bodies.

Draw a conclusion about the results of your experiment.