Conservation of Momentum Experiment

AI Thread Summary
The experiment aims to test momentum conservation during an explosion using an air track with two gliders initially attached. After the "explosion," the gliders will move in opposite directions, and photogates will measure their velocities. The main challenge is selecting a method to simulate the explosion, with a spring compression suggested as a viable option. By compressing a spring between the gliders and releasing them simultaneously, they would glide off with equal velocity. Input on this method or alternative suggestions is sought for improving the experiment.
temaire
Messages
275
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Design an experiment to determine if momentum is conserved in an explosion interaction using an air track. I need to come up with the procedure for this experiment.


Homework Equations


Not applicable.


The Attempt at a Solution


I have decided to use two gliders that are both initially attached, but glide off in opposite directions after the "explosion". There are two photogates on either side of the explosive, which will measure the time it takes for the gliders to pass through. The problem I'm having is determining what I will use to cause the explosion, making the gliders glide off in opposite directions.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you think it would be a good idea if I used a spring to simulate the explosion? Holding the gliders, I could compress a spring between them and then let go of the gliders at the same time. This would make them both glide off in opposite directions with the same velocity.
 
Does anyone agree or have more suggestions?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Lab Exercise: Measuring "g" using Conservation of Energy
Replies
12
Views
836
Conservation of Linear Momentum
Replies
10
Views
2K
Internal vs external force - conservation of momentum in one dimension
Replies
2
Views
7K
Angular Momentum- Conserved or not?
Replies
17
Views
349
Conservation of Mechanical Energy - Which Equation To Use?
Replies
9
Views
1K
Confusion with "explosive" part, Conservation of Momentum
Replies
6
Views
2K
How do I find the direction of C?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Conservation of Momentum in Explosions
Replies
1
Views
2K
Conservation of momentum in an *open* system
Replies
12
Views
4K
I When are the initial and final momentums the same (conserved)?
Replies
16
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top