Lesson 2 of 12 · Momentum
Experiment⭐ 30 XPConservation of Momentum
Conservation of Momentum.
🎯 Your mission
Predict it first. Then prove yourself right (or wrong).
⚡ The twist
Nature loves to surprise the careful watcher.
Mind = Blown
🔬 The more you look, the more nature shows you.
Make a hypothesis first
Before you start: write down what you think will happen, and why.
What You'll Learn
In any collision or explosion with no external resultant force, total momentum before equals total momentum after. It holds whether the objects bounce apart, stick together, or fly apart from rest, and it is one of the most reliable laws in physics.
Key Words
Tap a word to see its definition.
Materials Needed
- two dynamics trolleys
- level track
- magnets
- stopwatch or light gates
Safety First
- Level the track and place a stop at each end so trolleys cannot run onto the floor.
Steps
Read the explanation above and note the two key terms before you start.
Run two trolleys with opposing magnets towards each other on a level track and record the velocity of each before and after using light gates or video timing. Show total momentum before matches total after within your uncertainty.
Record what actually happened, including anything that did not match what you expected.
Write a conclusion that answers the question this lesson opened with, and state your uncertainty.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2Momentum is conserved when:
Where you see this in real life
This shows up in your everyday life more than you'd think.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Try one experiment in real life this week — even a tiny one.
For the dinner table
“What's the most surprising thing you learned today?”
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Conservation of Momentum
Predict it first. Then prove yourself right (or wrong).
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