PURPOSE: Demonstrate forces required to change the momentum of a dynamics cart.

DESCRIPTION: The data aquisition interface is used with an ultrasonic motion sensor and force probe to plot a graph of the motion as a dynamics cart approaches the end of the track, bounces off the force probe with an approximately elastic collision, and returns in the opposite direction. The force probe measures and plots the force as a function of time during the collision of the cart with the end of the track at which the force probe is mounted. The integral of the force over the contact time is the impulse, which is equal to the change of momentum of the dynamics cart. The velocity as a function of time, plotted by the motion software, is used to independently determine the change in momentum of the dynamics cart.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES:

EQUIPMENT: Dynamics track with dynamics cart, force probe, ultrasonic motion sensor,Science Workshop or Lab Pro Interface, and computer.

SETUP TIME: 10 min.

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