Question

In this lab, you will use a dynamics track to generate collisions between two carts. If momentum is conserved, what variable change would result in a velocity change after a collision? In the space below, write a scientific question that you will answer by doing this experiment.

answer for E2020: How does changing mass affect colliding objects?

Answer 1

Here by momentum conservation we can write

$m_1v_{1i} + m_2v_{2i} = m_1v_{1f} + m_2v_{2f}$

so here from above equation we can say the final speed after collision depends upon the mass of two objects

here if we change the mass of two colliding object then the final speed will change

for example

If we take two objects of same masses then after collision the speed of two objects will interchange

While if the two colliding object are such that one of the object is very heavy then after collision there is no effect on its velocity.

So if mass is changed then the speed of the object after collision will change

the speed of object after collision is given by

$v_{1f} = \frac{m_1 - m_2}{m_1+m_2}v_{1i} + \frac{2m_2}{m_1+m_2}v_{2i}$

$v_{2f} = \frac{m_2 - m_1}{m_1+m_2}v_{2i} + \frac{2m_1}{m_1+m_2}v_{1i}$

So by above equations we can show the dependency of two speed on mass

Answer 2

The scientific question that needs to be answered by doing the experiment where a dynamic track generates collisions between two carts is;

How does changing mass affect colliding objects?

        In collisions whether elastic collision or inelastic collision, momentum is always conserved.

Now, we want to know the variable change that would result in a velocity change after collision.

         We know from newton's first law of motion that an object will continue in its' present state of rest or in constant motion unless it is acted upon by an external force.

Now, this means that the speed will increase the more a force is applied to an object. We know that an increase in mass means an increase in force from the formula F = ma.

        Now, momentum is the product of mass and velocity. Thus, we would like to know the impact of changing mass on the velocity because when the mass of two colliding objects is increased, their final velocity will decrease since momentum is conserved.

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