Nut Sack
Purpose: Use the motion sensor to measure the motion of a cart as it collides with a bumper. Use a force sensor mounted on the track to measure the force of the collision over the same interval of time. Use DataStudio to compare the change in momentum of the cart with the integral of the measured force vs time graph.
Data:
Item | Value | Mass of Cart | 516g | Impulse | .35N | Velocity before | .343 m/s | Velocity after | -.318 m/s | Momentum before | .177 kg m/s | Momentum after | -.163 kg m/s | change | -.340 kg m/s |
Questions: 1.Why is it desirable to have the same initial speed for each data run?
If speed differs, the momentum will be effected. As velocity increases, momentum increases.
2.How will raising the end of the Dynamics Track give the cart the same acceleration each time?
The mass and force are constant, therefore using the equation Force equals mass times acceleration, the acceleration will remain the same.
3.For your data, how does the change in momentum compare to the impulse?
.1 kg*m/s difference
4.What are possible reasons why the change in momentum is different from the measured impulse?
The change in momentum can differ from the measured impulse due to friction on the track.
5.Graph attacked to back
6.Use the above comparison to explain why airbags in cars can help to prevent injuries to the occupants during a frontal collision.
Airbags absorb the force on impact lessening the momentum after a collision.
Summary: During this lab we found out that the velocity before and after the collision was virtually the same and the momentum before is also virtually the same as the momentum after. This lab was fairly easy to complete and our group didn’t require any extra help form the teachers. We found out that Momentum equals mass times velocity and impulse can be calculated by finding the area under the curve. We had a little trouble getting the motion sensor to work, but was easily fixed after double checking the
Data:
Item | Value | Mass of Cart | 516g | Impulse | .35N | Velocity before | .343 m/s | Velocity after | -.318 m/s | Momentum before | .177 kg m/s | Momentum after | -.163 kg m/s | change | -.340 kg m/s |
Questions: 1.Why is it desirable to have the same initial speed for each data run?
If speed differs, the momentum will be effected. As velocity increases, momentum increases.
2.How will raising the end of the Dynamics Track give the cart the same acceleration each time?
The mass and force are constant, therefore using the equation Force equals mass times acceleration, the acceleration will remain the same.
3.For your data, how does the change in momentum compare to the impulse?
.1 kg*m/s difference
4.What are possible reasons why the change in momentum is different from the measured impulse?
The change in momentum can differ from the measured impulse due to friction on the track.
5.Graph attacked to back
6.Use the above comparison to explain why airbags in cars can help to prevent injuries to the occupants during a frontal collision.
Airbags absorb the force on impact lessening the momentum after a collision.
Summary: During this lab we found out that the velocity before and after the collision was virtually the same and the momentum before is also virtually the same as the momentum after. This lab was fairly easy to complete and our group didn’t require any extra help form the teachers. We found out that Momentum equals mass times velocity and impulse can be calculated by finding the area under the curve. We had a little trouble getting the motion sensor to work, but was easily fixed after double checking the