Conservation of Linear Momentum Equipment and Setup: Air track, air supply with hose, Photogates (2), Gliders (2), Accessory kit, Capstone file-Linear Momentum.cap In this experiment we study the conservation of linear momentum. Using the air track we can achieve nearly frictionless one-dimensional motion. Using the photogate timers we can accurately measure the velocities of the gliders. At the top of each glider there is a 10cm wide flag that blocks the photogate as it passes. The photogate records the total time the gate was blocked, At, each time the gate was blocked. We get the velocity of the glider using: v=Ar Δι where Ax 0.10 m The reason for the sign ambiguity is that the photogate cannot determine the direction of the glider as it passes through. We must put this sign in by hand. (Recall that in one dimension the sign of the velocity gives the direction of motion.) We calculate the total momentum and the total kinetic energy using: = = P = m,v,+my, and Km,v+mv A collision is elastic when Kioti Kof. We can make a collision elastic, to a good approximation, using rubber band bumpers. The extreme case of inelastic collisions is called totally inelastic; it is when the masses stick together and move off as one. In this case the two final velocities are equal: vr vir vr. We achieve totally inelastic collisions using a pin adapter that sticks to a wax-filled adapter. Note that the Ar values listed refer to the corresponding velocity. For instance, Afr is the time needed to calculate vir. It may be read by either photogate, depending on the case. .2003 1774818354 (A) Elastic, m₁ = m2, V2=0, V₁ = 0 Trial Afli 1 2 1427414886 mi-m2- kg Vli Before mi V2i=0 m2 Gate 1 Gate 2 After m m2 V₁f=0 v2f % diff. Trial Vli V2f Ploti Ptot,f Ktoti Ktot.f % diff K Ptot 1 2