Mechanics
> Linear Momentum > Conservation of Linear
Momentum
DCS#
1N30.30
COLLISION
GLIDERS
APPARATUS
air track
201A
gliders
and steel spring bumpers with and without velcro
202-14-B
DESCRIPTION
The gliders can be used to show
elastic and inelastic collisions between gliders of equal or
unequal
masses.
To give the gliders equal and opposite velocities, rest a
meterstick
across both gliders, use it to launch them simultaneously with
the same
speed and wait for
one to
bounce off the bumper at the end of the track.
Duct tape works better than velcro for completely inelastic
collisions.
Flags and photogates can be used to measure velocities.