Activity 9: Momentum Conservation

Question 1

What did we do in Activity 9?

Answer 1

The purpose of this activity was to demonstrate momentum conservation using a Beck Ball Pendulum. The pendulum allowed for the calculation of the initial velocity of the ball, and the after-collision velocity of both the ball and the cage. The calculation of the initial velocity and final velocity allow momentum to be determined, and a comparison was made of momentum before and after collision. (Newton’s Third Law)

Question 2

How did we determine initial velocity and initial momentum in Activity 3?

Answer 2

The steel ball was shot out of the gun and the distance measured.

Initial velocity=v₀=√(gx²)/2y)

Initial momentum=m√gx2)/2y)

Question 3

How was final velocity and final momentum determined?

Answer 3

The steel ball was shot into the pendulum mechanism five times, the height the pendulum swung was used to determine the after-collision velocity.

v=√(2gh)

p_f=(m+M)v