Conservation of Linear Momentum
BlackBoard Notes

======================= Photo - Click for a Larger Version =============================

======================= First Board Section =============================

• Is momentum conserved in all collisions?
  • (Is the total momentum of two carts the same before collision and after collision?)
    • p = mv 

======================= Second Board Section =============================

• Study two types of collisions:
• Inelastic: carts "stick" together after collision
  • Momentum is conserved, kinetic energy is lost.
    • {The energy of an object due to its motion: K = ½mv²} (Note: they haven't covered kinetic energy in class yet!)

======================= Third Board Section =============================

• Elastic: carts "bounce" after collision
  • Momentum and kinetic energy are conserved!
• Stay on track!
  • Start elastic collisions by 2:45 pm
  • Enter data into Excel by 3:30 pm

Return to Setup

©Jeffrey R. Miller	St. Lawrence University	Department of Physics

Revised: 08 Sep 2023

Canton, NY 13617