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8 Phet Collision Lab

This document provides directions for using an online simulation to model elastic and inelastic collisions between balls of different masses. Students are asked to test collisions between balls of equal mass, unequal mass, and a totally inelastic collision. They must record data on mass, velocity and momentum before and after each collision and analyze whether total momentum is conserved. The goal is to learn that total momentum is conserved in elastic collisions but not inelastic collisions.

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159 views

8 Phet Collision Lab

This document provides directions for using an online simulation to model elastic and inelastic collisions between balls of different masses. Students are asked to test collisions between balls of equal mass, unequal mass, and a totally inelastic collision. They must record data on mass, velocity and momentum before and after each collision and analyze whether total momentum is conserved. The goal is to learn that total momentum is conserved in elastic collisions but not inelastic collisions.

Uploaded by

api-310198717
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PhET Collision Lab

Directions: Go to the website http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/collision-lab


Make sure the 1-d box is checked.
Part 1
Scenario #1:
Elastic collision between balls of equal mass

Make a hypothesis about initial and final momentums before playing with the sim.
Make a data table for the following: mass, velocity and momentum of each ball before
and after.
What is the relationship between the initial and final total momentums?
Describe the motion of the balls before and after the collision?

Scenario #2:
Elastic collision between balls of unequal mass.

Make a hypothesis about initial and final momentums before playing with the sim.
Make a data table for the following: mass, velocity and momentum of each ball before
and after.
What is the relationship between the initial and final total momentums?
Describe the motion of the balls before and after the collision?

Part 2
Create 3 more distinct scenarios in 1-d including one totally inelastic collision. Make a
hypothesis whether or not each will follow conservation of momentum. Collect some data and
prove or disprove your hypothesis.
Summary: Describe the main ideas learned in this activity regarding initial and final total
momentum in 1-d collisions.

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