Fundamentals of Physics Collision Cart

Students explore conservation of momentum with real-world machinery in this Collision Cart.

• Weight plates can be added to change variables between experiments

• Carts' front and back bumpers demonstrate elastic and inelastic collisions
• Students gather velocity data and compare their calculations to theoretical values
• Complete activity instructions included

They investigate conservation of momentum and calculate change in velocity to discover how an elastic bumper affects the crashes between a light and heavy cart. Carts' front and back bumpers demonstrate elastic and inelastic collisions.

The carts are places on the inclined plane. When a photogate is attached to the sliding fence, students can gather accurate velocity data and compare their real calculations to theoretical value. This activity requires an inclined plane, FUN Stand, and photogate system, available separately.

 : Fundamentals of physics inclined plane, and fun stand are required but available separately. The fundamentals of Physics photogate system is recommended.