PASCO ME-6962 PAStrack Systems - Manual (Page 9)

®
P A S t r a c k S y s t e m s E x p e r i m e n t 1 : C o n s e r v a t i o n o f M o m e n t u m i n E x p l o s i o n s
9
Figure 1.1
2. For each of the cases in Table 1.1, place the two carts against each other with the
plunger of one cart pushed completely in and latched in its maximum position
(see Figure 1.1).
3. Tap the plunger release button with a short stick and watch the two carts move to
the ends of the track. Experiment with different starting positions until the two
carts reach the ends of the track at the same time. Measure the masses of the
carts. Record the masses and the starting position in Table 1.1.
Data Analysis
1. For each of the cases, calculate the distances traveled from the starting position to
the end of the track. Record the result in Table 1.1.
2. Calculate the ratio of the distances traveled and record in the table.
3. Calculate the ratio of the masses and record in the table.
Questions
1. Does the ratio of the distances equal the ratio of the masses in each of the cases?
In other words, is momentum conserved?
2. When carts of unequal masses push away from each other, which cart has more
momentum?
3. When the carts of unequal masses push away from each other, which cart has
more kinetic energy?
4. Is the starting position dependent on which cart has the plunger? Why?
Table 1.1: Results
Additional
Mass on
Cart 1
Additional
Mass on
Cart 2
m
1
m
2
Starting
Position
x
1
x
2
x
1
/x
2
m
2
/m
1
0 0
500 g 0
1000 g 0
500 250