Lab 7 Conservation of Momentum W Background: The momentum of a moving object is dened as the object's mass multiplied by its velocity (p = mv). The law of Conservation of Momentum states that the total momentum of a system does not change when there is no net external force. An air track nicely demonstrates conservation of momentum. Many small air jets provide a nearly frictionless cushion of air for the gliders to slide on. If an air track is leveled. gravitational force balances the normal force. Thus. the net external force on a glider that is placed on an air track is zero. EHERQSE To explore the concept of momentum. and to verify the law of conservation of momentum. The details: A moving car hits a stationary car and they couple and move together as shown below: Before collision: V After collision: VL -_ The total momentum before collision = mnvR +Okgmls = mRvR (since initially mL is at rest). The total momentum after collision = (m._+mR)vL If momentum is conserved. then mRvR = (mL+mR)vL 2 The experiment Watch the video, collect data and perform the calculations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PdRLjbqsdl Width of the flag = 5.0 cm = 0.05m momentum % Collision time to time tR velocity VL velocity VR PL= momentum difference (s) (s) (m/s) (m/s) (m,+mp)VL PR = MRVR between (kg m/s) (kg m/s) p and PB my = 0.5 MR =0.5 ML = 0.50 MR =1.00 m = 1.00 MR =0.50 ML = 0.5 MR =1.50 mL = 1.00 mR =1.50 To compare the two values of momenta: percent difference = [total momentum before - total momentum after] x 100 (average of the two) OR percent difference = I(PL-PR)I x100/(average of p, and PR) Discussion & Conclusions Discuss whether momentum was conserved or not? How does the data show this? Discuss experimental error. What contributes to the percent differences you got