Linear Momentum
Collision of Cars
Cars of different masses and bumpers collide on an air track.
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- Air track
- Cars (gliders) - different masses and bumpers
Collisions between two cars at a time take place on a horizontal air track. These collisions involve cars of varying masses and bumpers, including magnetic bumpers. Several different initial conditions include exploding from rest.
Car and Pendulum
A car with an attached pendulum glides on an air track.
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- Air track
- Car (glider) with a weighted pendulum attached
A pendulum is attached to a car which is free to glide on the air track.When the net horizontal force on the pendulum-car system is zero, the horizontal speed of the center of mass remains constant. A bright marker disc is placed at the center of mass to aid in visualizing this effect.
Collision of Balls
Six pendulum balls on a swinging-balls apparatus collide elastically.
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- Steel balls hanging from a frame (the swinging-ball apparatus)
Various combinations of balls are allowed to swing in and collide with the remaining balls in an elastic manner. After the collision, the momentum is transferred down the line and the appropriate number of balls swing out at the other end.
Car and Balloon
A car with an attached rocket balloon is propelled along a level air track.
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- Air track
- Car (glider) with a balloon attached
An inflated balloon is attached to a car which is free to glide along an air track. As the air exits the balloon, the car is propelled in the opposite direction.