Momentum Experiment

Momentum Experiment By: Emma Jensen Joshua Chang Cooper Sorich Diego Flores ~ Newton’s Balls


Introduction
In this experiment, five separate trials will be carried out to demonstrate inelastic and elastic collisions using different sized chrome balls (to vary the masses) and two meter sticks (to measure the distance traveled and keep the balls on a linear path). Our purpose is to present momentum within the collisions and calculate the conservation of momentum throughout the entire system to see if momentum and (in the case of an elastic collision) kinetic energy are equal in the systems. Newton’s original statement of his second law presented that F = p/t. This equation would equal F = ma since p/t = (mv)/t = m(v/t) = ma, so in this experiment, not only are we presenting the conservation of momentum, but also demonstrating Newton’s second Law in different circumstances than the usual F = ma. Since the equation to test conservation of momentum (pai + pbi = paf + pbf) and Newton’s second Law both hold true, the only errors in the experiment (resulting in not so equal numbers) would be due to human error. Several trials will be carried out to dispel those as much as possible.


Conclusion
In the experiment, we observed that both the inelastic and elastic collisions we attempted were successful. The calculations were always similar or they turned out as we thought they would. In experiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, all the balls were similar in momentum. The slight differences resulted from human errors such as the slight 4° incline of the table, how fast we pushed the balls (making some trials inconsistent), and the slight friction produced between the balls, the table, and the meter sticks. It made sense for the fifth experiment to have different momentums since energy was steadily lost to friction as every smaller ball collided with the larger balls. As momentum went along, it would decrease steadily. Momentum can still be conserved even with slight losses of energy. In relation to Newton’s second Law, since the balls conserved momentum, then the equations, F = p/t, p = mv, and F = ma, all hold true. However, the experiment mostly focused on the version p = mv in regards to using an equation.
Our perception of momentum was very one dimensional because if a basic understanding of Newton’s Laws of motion and after our experiment and trials, our consideration of angular momentum, and different forms of Kinetic Energy such as translational and rotational has deepened our understanding of both elastic and inelastic collisions and Newton’s laws. Before, we understood how to get the right answers but actually seeing the conservation of momentum taking place in reality allowed us to know what the answers meant.