Authentic Lab Experiment

(Conservation laws of momentum)

Alan Zhang
Physics
Mr. Neufeld
Block C
June 13th, 2022
1. Research Question:
Does increase in mass of both object effects the result of conservation laws of
momentum?
2. Background information:
Unless an external force is applied, the total momentum of two or more objects
interacting in an isolated system remains unchanged. As a result, neither the creation nor
the destruction of momentum is possible.
3. Hypothesis:
If the mass of the moving glider increases, the inertia increases, Then the speed and
distance will increase after the collision for the glider that remain stationary initially.
4. Variables:
- IV: Mass of both object.
- DV: Speed and moving distance of stationary objects after collision.
- CV: Friction coefficient of track, mass, Constant g gravitational acceleration.
5. Materials:
• A stopwatch
• 3 gliders, 100-g each
• 3 spring bumpers
• 3 magnetic bumpers
• 4 hook and loop bumpers
• 6 thumbscrews
• 1 spool of thread
• 2 springs
• 1 weight hook
• 4 hanging weights, 50-g each
• 1 glider launcher
• 4 spring connecting brackets
• 12 masses, 25-g each
 • 1 set of leveling pads
• 2 photogate arms
6. Procedures
1. Measure the mass of materials that will be attached to each glider.
2. Attach required hanging weights onto the glider, and tightening it with a
thumbscrew.
3. Put both gliders onto the air track.
4. Turn on the pumpe (The black vacuum looking thing).
5. Place the moving glider all the way to the left, and place the stationary glider at 1
meter which is in the middle.
6. Have the timer ready.
7. Push the glider gently, and start the timer at the same time.
8. Stop the timer when the stationary glider comes to a stop after the impact.
9. Record the data multiple times with other weights.
7. Data Table
Mass of the moving Time (s) of stationary Velocity (m/s) of
glider. (kg) glider. stationary glider.
100g 2.77 s 0.36 m/s
125g 2.43s 0.41 m/s
150g 1.98 s 0.51 m/s
175g 1.54 s 0.65 m/s
200g 1.12 s 0.89 m/s

8. Analysis
- If the velocity remains constant, increasing mass will result in increasing momentum.
9. Conclusion
Does increase in mass of both object effects the result of conservation laws of
momentum? Yes, increase in mass of both object does affect the result of conservation
laws of momentum. And the hypothesis is that if the mass of the moving glider increases,
the inertia increases, Then the speed and distance will increase after the collision for the
glider that remain stationary initially.
Due to shortage in time, the app excel for some reason was deleted so there was no graph
included in this report. And There was a systemic error were made during the experiment.
The only way to give the moving glider velocity is by pushing with hands, and that may
affect the result. If you’re doing this lab, we suggest you to use newton meter.
I think if I prepare in advance and confirm that steps are correct, the quality of this
experiment will be better.