Question

In this lab, you will use a dynamics track to generate collisions between two carts. If momentum is conserved, what variable change would result in a velocity change after a collision? In the space below, write a scientific question that you will answer by doing this experiment.
answer for E2020: How does changing mass affect colliding objects?

Answer 1

Here by momentum conservation we can write

$m_1v_{1i} + m_2v_{2i} = m_1v_{1f} + m_2v_{2f}$

so here from above equation we can say the final speed after collision depends upon the mass of two objects

here if we change the mass of two colliding object then the final speed will change

for example

If we take two objects of same masses then after collision the speed of two objects will interchange

While if the two colliding object are such that one of the object is very heavy then after collision there is no effect on its velocity.

So if mass is changed then the speed of the object after collision will change

the speed of object after collision is given by

$v_{1f} = \frac{m_1 - m_2}{m_1+m_2}v_{1i} + \frac{2m_2}{m_1+m_2}v_{2i}$

$v_{2f} = \frac{m_2 - m_1}{m_1+m_2}v_{2i} + \frac{2m_1}{m_1+m_2}v_{1i}$

So by above equations we can show the dependency of two speed on mass

Answer 2

How does changing mass affect colliding objects?