Collisions I Exercise 4: Inelastic Collisions
Exercise 4: Inelastic Collisions
4.1 You may have noticed that the carts have Velcro on them. As a result, it is possible to arrange collisions where the carts stick together.
a) Would you expect the ratio-of-velocity argument:
to be valid for the stick-together collisions? Why? Why not?
b) Arrange for a moving single-cart to collide with a stationary single-cart and stick. How do the changes in velocity for the two carts compare? On your diagram, record the magnitude of the changes in velocity of each cart.
c) Arrange for a moving double-cart to collide with a stationary single-cart. How do the changes in velocity for the two carts compare? On your diagram, record the magnitude of the changes in velocity of each cart. Are these results consistent with your answer to 4.1 a)?
Show your results to the lab instructor. They will want to see your measurements on the screen.
Congratulations on completing Lab 3!