Due Date: 11/12/21

Some Comments on the Conservation of Linear Momentum

While the details of the lab report have been discussed in class and are also laid out in your lab
manual, here are some key points that must be addressed in your lab report.

1. Before doing the experiment make sure that your track is leveled. This is accomplished
by gently pushing a glider down the track and fitting the resulting motion with a parabola.
The coefficient of the squared term is half the value of acceleration. This should be a
small number; small enough that we can ignore it! Also “reverse” the direction for one
of the motion sensors.

2. Please note that you need to do three good collisions (elastic, inelastic, and either one
with more mass). There is no need to have multiple trials recorded for a given type of
collision. Having said that, please note that you may have to repeat a given collision
scenario more than once to get good, usable data. They key to good results is proper
speed and alignment.

3. Your analysis should ideally be divided into three subsections, each dealing with a
particular collision. Make sure graphs for all three collisions are included in the lab
report. Also ensure that the graphs include four-line fits along with their equations. These
fits correspond to the incoming and outgoing velocities for the two gliders. Choose the fit
regions wisely on your position vs. time graphs. You do not have to work with velocity
vs. time graphs. For each collision graph, make sure that it is at least half a page.

4. Your analysis for each collision type needs to demonstrate conservation of linear
momentum using two different numerical schemes. First try to show conservation of
linear momentum by comparing total initial momentum to total final momentum. Make
sure that you have included appropriate uncertainties in the values of total initial and total
final momenta. For the second numerical scheme use the difference in initial and final
momenta of the individual carts to discuss conservation of momentum. Again, make sure
that the appropriate error propagation is included.

5. Do not forget to calculate the coefficient of restitution for each collision. You do not have
to do error analysis for this part. Use a Table to organize your main results.

Checklist (before you leave the lab)

 Level test acceleration value

 Masses for all carts used in the collisions (along with any attachments, extra masses,
bumpers, etc.)
 Three graphs for the three different collisions, and each graph showing four fits for
relevant velocities (along with uncertainties). These can be on the computer. Just make
sure I see them before I can sign you out.
 One sample calculation showing your results for Δ ⃗ P A =− Δ ⃗
PB