Exploration 8.4: Elastic and Inelastic Collisions and Δp


v1 = m/s,        v2 = m/s,        m1 = kg,        and        m2 = 1 kg.
check, then click the set values and play button to see an inelastic collision.

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

Enter in a new value and click the "set values and play" button to register your values and run the animation (position is given in meters and time is given in seconds).  We have set limits on the values you can choose: 

0.5 kg < m1 < 2 kg,             0 m/s < v1 < 4 m/s,           and         -4 m/s <  v2< 0 m/s.

The bar graph gives an instantaneous reading of each cart's energy and the check box changes the collision type from perfectly elastic to perfectly inelastic.  Restart.

Answer the following questions for both the elastic and inelastic collisions.

  1. Vary the mass and velocities.  Is Δp1 = -Δp2?  
  2. Why should this be the case?
  3. Is the energy of the system constant?  If not, where is it going?

 

 

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