Name: PHY 110: Conservation of Momentum Background / Theory The momentum p of an object in motion is defined as the product of its mass m and velocity . p = mi E with mass (units of kg) and velocity (units of m/s), the units of momentum are kg.m/s. With momentum being defined as such, the momentum of objects that collide is conserved; i.e., the total momentum of all of the objects involved in the collision is the same both before and after the collision. In all cases, we assume that there are no (or negligible) forces on the objects other than what they exert on each other. This idea that momentum is conserved comes from Newton's 3 d Law and the fact that objects that interact with each other do so for the same amount of time. Simulation: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/collision-lab Procedure 1. Go to the simulation tab that says introduction. Select the more data button (yellow button underneath the table). This will show the mass, initial velocity, and initial momentum of each ball. 2. Choose masses and initial velocities for each ball. Record the masses, initial velocities, and initial momenta of both balls. 3. Calculate the total initial momentm and record in the table. 4. Start the Simulation. 5. After the collision the table will show the final velocities and momenta of both balls. Record in the table. 6. Calculate the final momenta of the balls after the collision and the change in momentum. 7. Continue filling out the "Before" section, and then start the simulation, record the data in the table below. The type of collision (elastic/inelastic/perfectly inelastic) can be changed by the sliding bar on the right. If Elasticity is 100% then it is an elastic collision. If it is less than 100% but greater than 0% it is inelastic, and if it is at 0% it will be perfectly inelastic. Fill out the table below with as many combinations as you can. Make sure to have the masses the same and the velocities different, and have the masses different and the velocities the same. When done with the Table, answer the Lab questions. Table 1: Momentum Before and After CollisionsName: Date: Collisions Before After pl (kg p2 (kg ptotal pl (kg p2 (kg ptotal Ap (kg ml (kg) m2 (kg) v1 (m/s) v2 (m/s) m/s) m/s) (kgm/s) v1 (m/s) v2 (m/s) m/s) m/s) (kgm/s) m/s) Elastic Elastic Elastic Elastic Inelastic Inelastic Inelastic Inelastic Perfectly Inelastic Perfectly Inelastic Perfectly Inelastic Perfectly Inelastic Analysis 1. When one ball is moving and the other is stationary in the "Before" what happens to the momentum of each "After"? (Who gains, who loses?) (Describe in two complete sentences below.) 2. Why are some of the momentum numbers positive and then after the collision negative?Name: Date: 8. Create your own definition below of "elastic" and "inelastic" below based on you experiences. 9. Create a scenario in the first tab where both spheres are moving before the collision, and then after the collision they stop. Describe in detail what needs to take place . 10. What does it take to have "(" total momentum? List multiple ways the momentum can be zero