Conservation of momentum, confused about variables

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a conservation of momentum lab where two objects collide, and the participant is trying to understand how to express the relationship between momentum before and after the collision in an "if...then..." format. The focus is on identifying the independent and responding variables in the context of the experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify the distinction between the independent variable (initial velocity) and the responding variable, questioning whether it should be the after crash velocity or the after crash momentum. Other participants suggest considering both momentum and velocity, leading to further inquiry about which to choose as the responding variable.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the definitions and implications of the variables involved in the momentum conservation scenario. Some guidance has been offered regarding the importance of momentum, but there is no explicit consensus on which variable should be selected as the responding variable.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is required to formulate a hypothesis in a specific format, which adds a layer of complexity to their understanding of the variables involved in the experiment.

shredder666
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Homework Statement


In a conservation of momentum lab, two objects were collided together, velocity before and after the collision were measured.

The problem asks how the momentum compares before and after

I'm really confused about the variables here...

In the hypothesis it asks to relate the momentum of a system before and after collision into a "if...manipulated is... then...responding is" format

How do I write it into an if...then... format?!?

I realize that the independent/manipulated variable is the initial given velocity but I'm confused about the responding variable, Is it the after crash velocity or the after crash momentum?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The change in momentum of colliding bodies during collision depends on their masses and their initial velocities. So compare the momentum of each body taking into account its mass and velocity.
 
well I realize that but I'm more concerned about the responding variable

Is it the velocity or the momentum?
 
shredder666 said:
well I realize that but I'm more concerned about the responding variable

Is it the velocity or the momentum?

Both.
 
well... I have to choose from 1 of them... which would be a better answer?
 
shredder666 said:
well... I have to choose from 1 of them... which would be a better answer?
Momentum,. Because it takes into account of both mass and velocity.
 
Last edited:

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