Inquiry Physics Core Labs

Links:

Concepts:
The momentum of an object is the product of its mass and velocity. The momentum of an isolated system (one upon which no net external force acts) is conserved.

Summary:
Students collect data for elastic collisions that leads to the law of conservation of momentum.

Lab Source:
Inquiry Physics Investigation 9 Labs A & B

Objectives Links:
I. D: Percentage difference and error
III. G: Linear momentum
Process Skills Checklist

Equipment:

• air track
• 3 air track gliders (two 300 gram and one 150 gram)
• photogates with basic timers
• electric glider launcher

Safety Concerns:
No special concerns

Revision Date:
Fall 1999