Conservation of Momentum and Energy
Lab 5
Conservation of Momentum and Energy
Abstract
The physics laws governing conservation of momentum and mechanical energy were investigated by performing multiple experiments with differing conditions. Conservation laws state energy is to be conserved in systems with no net external forces. Two trials consisted of inelastic collisions and two trials consisted of elastic conditions. Photogate software helped decipher initial and final velocities in order to perform calculations applied to conservation law equations. In both cases of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy, low relative changes in total energy (less than 0.003) were observed indicating general conservation of energy. Percent discrepancies comparing the theoretical to experimental values allowed for more insight on what was truly going on. Conservation of momentum was seen in Trial 1 (5.56%), Trial (1.69%) and Trial 4 (6.89%) all showing low percent discrepancies from the theoretical outcome. Trial 2, having a percent discrepancy of 52.0%, showed error in the experiment possibly due to friction, the photogate software, or other inconclusive factors. Conservation of mechanical energy was demonstrated in cases of elastic collision since low percent discrepancies of 1.47% and 15.87% were observed. There was no conservation of mechanical energy in the inelastic collisions with percent discrepancies of 55.62% and 20.83%. This was observed since the carts stuck together after the collision, creating friction that converted the lost energy into heat.
Objective
The objective of the lab was to investigate the validity of the laws of conservation of momentum and energy by analyzing simple elastic and inelastic collisions.
Procedure
EQUIPMENT:
-horizontal dynamics track
-collision and dynamics carts with picket fences
-photogates connected to the Science Workshop interface
-250 g weight
Two carts were weighed and placed on a single
Conservation of Momentum and Energy
Abstract
The physics laws governing conservation of momentum and mechanical energy were investigated by performing multiple experiments with differing conditions. Conservation laws state energy is to be conserved in systems with no net external forces. Two trials consisted of inelastic collisions and two trials consisted of elastic conditions. Photogate software helped decipher initial and final velocities in order to perform calculations applied to conservation law equations. In both cases of conservation of momentum and kinetic energy, low relative changes in total energy (less than 0.003) were observed indicating general conservation of energy. Percent discrepancies comparing the theoretical to experimental values allowed for more insight on what was truly going on. Conservation of momentum was seen in Trial 1 (5.56%), Trial (1.69%) and Trial 4 (6.89%) all showing low percent discrepancies from the theoretical outcome. Trial 2, having a percent discrepancy of 52.0%, showed error in the experiment possibly due to friction, the photogate software, or other inconclusive factors. Conservation of mechanical energy was demonstrated in cases of elastic collision since low percent discrepancies of 1.47% and 15.87% were observed. There was no conservation of mechanical energy in the inelastic collisions with percent discrepancies of 55.62% and 20.83%. This was observed since the carts stuck together after the collision, creating friction that converted the lost energy into heat.
Objective
The objective of the lab was to investigate the validity of the laws of conservation of momentum and energy by analyzing simple elastic and inelastic collisions.
Procedure
EQUIPMENT:
-horizontal dynamics track
-collision and dynamics carts with picket fences
-photogates connected to the Science Workshop interface
-250 g weight
Two carts were weighed and placed on a single