Collisions I Exercise 3: Collisions with Different Carts

3.1 Mazur claims that in collisions between carts of different mass, the change in velocity of the cart is inversely proportional to its mass. i.e.

On your table, you’ll find black bars that fit on top of the carts and which will effectively double (or triple) the mass of the cart.

In your lab book, sketch what you think the velocity-time graphs will look like for a double-cart colliding with a stationary single cart.

3.2

a) Compare your prediction to the measurement. On your diagram, record the magnitude of the changes in velocity of each cart. (Use the “add the coordinates tool” to measure the velocity before and after the collision).

b) Repeat the analysis of 3.1 a) for the single cart colliding with a stationary triple-cart.

Summarize your results.