Conservation of Momentum and Kinetic Energy

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about a glider hitting a rubber band bumper, it is noted that momentum is conserved with only a 5% change, while kinetic energy shows a loss of 10%-15%. The calculations indicate that the percentage of kinetic energy conserved decreases with higher velocities, suggesting that the collision is not perfectly elastic. Concerns are raised about the accuracy of the data and whether the observed changes indicate a violation of conservation principles. The conclusion drawn is that while momentum is conserved, kinetic energy is not, which aligns with expectations for inelastic collisions.
Blangett
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Homework Statement



I was wondering if a glider hits a rubber band bumper is kinetic energy conserved? I can't tell if the data I have supports conservation or loss. I am writing a lab report and data shows that momentum had around a 5% change. Kinetic energy had a 10%-15% change. Momentum is always conserved in a collision so I can conclude its conservered in this case. What is worrying me is that my data is wrong because momentum had a 5% change, I am not sure at what percentage makes it not conserved. I think Kinetic energy is not conserved in this case. Am I right?

Mass ~ 0.1833

Velocity Before
v1=0.4109
v2=0.4327
v3=0.5959


Velocity After
v1= 0.3898
v2= 0.4083
v3= 0.5462




Homework Equations



K= 1/2*m*v2

p= m*v

Percentage of change 1 - (kinetic before/kinetic after)

percentage of change momentum 1 - (momentum before/momentum after)



The Attempt at a Solution




(.013925671/0.015474070) = .89999 so 90% is conservered a 10% change

(0.01527887/0.017159564) = .890 so 89% is conserved a 11% change

(0.027342351/0.032544623) = .840 so 86% is conserved a 14% change

It seemed that the larger the velocity the more kinetic energy is lost. I am worried my conclusion is completely inaccurate.
 
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