Is My Momentum Lab Chart Correct?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on verifying the calculations for a momentum lab simulation involving two pucks. The user correctly calculates velocities by subtracting positions from two frames and dividing by the time interval of 0.050 seconds. Momentum is computed by multiplying the mass of each puck by its respective velocity components. To find the total momentum in the x-direction, the user can indeed sum the x components of both pucks. For total kinetic energy, the user should use the resultant speeds of the pucks without considering direction, as energy is a scalar quantity.

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silentcoder
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Hi,
I have to do a lab simulation and fill out information in a chart. The lab simulates two pucks hitting with each other. It is suppose to be a momentum lab. I have filled most of the chart but am not sure if its correct. So I would like you to verify it. Plz and TY

These are the only given variables:
I had to record x and y positions of both pucks(circles) for first 2 frames of simulation, Mass is also given and time is 0.050s
pic1.png


This is the table i am suppose to fill:
picmain.png


v1x and v1y are suppose to be for circle1
vlx' and v1y' are suppose to be for circle2
v1 and v1y' are both resultant velocity

p1x and p1y are x and y momentum for circle1
p1x' and p1y' are x and y momentum for circle2

To find velocities i simply subtracted frame 2 position from frame 1 and divide it by the time
To find the momentum i simply multiplied x and y components to the mass

For P Total X, can i just add both x components together?

How can i find Total Kinetic Energy?

Thank You
 
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Looks correct.
Momentum are vectors, so yes, just add the components to get the total - just like you would treat forces.
Use the v1 and v1' speeds for the kinetic energy. Energy is a scalar - no need to take directions into account.
 

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