LabQuest

Impulse and Momentum

The impulse-momentum theorem relates impulse, the average force applied to an object times the length of
time the force is applied, and the change in momentum of the object:

F t mv f mvi

Here, we will only consider motion and forces along a single line. The average force, , is the net force on
F the large force in
the object, but in the case where one force dominates all others, it is sufficient to use only
calculations and analysis.

For this experiment, a Dynamics Cart will roll along a level track (the table). Its momentum will change as it
collides with a hoop spring. The hoop will compress and apply an increasing force until the cart stops. The
cart then changes direction and the hoop expands back to its original shape. The force applied by the spring
is measured by a Dual-Range Force Sensor. The cart velocity throughout the motion is measured with a
Motion Detector. You will then use data-collection software to find the impulse to test the impulse-
momentum theorem.

Figure 1

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS
1. In a car collision, the drivers body must change speed from a high value to zero. This is true whether or
not an airbag is used, so why use an airbag? How does it reduce injuries?

2. Two playground balls, the type used in the game of dodgeball, are inflated to different levels. One is
fully inflated and the other is flat. Which one would you rather be hit with? Why?

3. Observe the diagram at the right. Use this to

write a definition for an Elastic Collision and an Inelastic Collision.

PhysicswithVernier VernierSoftware&Technology 19
4. Write the equation for Momentum:

Calculate the momentum of a 4.0 kg object

traveling at a velocity of 12.0 m/s east.

A 5.00 kg object accelerates uniformly from 5 m/s east to a velocity of 15.0 m/s in the same direction.
What is the change in momentum of the object?

4. Write the equation for Impulse:

A hockey player makes a slap shot, exerting a constant force of 30.0 N on the hockey puck for 0.16 s.
What is the magnitude of the impulse given to the puck?

5. Write the Impulse-Momentum Theorem:

A 26.3 kg object is traveling at 21.0 m/s north. What average net force is required to bring this object to
stop in 2.60 s?

A rocket at rest with a mass of 9.5 x 103 kg is acted on by an average net force of 1.5 x 105 N upwards
for 15 s. What is the final velocity of the rocket?

PROJECT MANAGER
PROCEDURE
1. Measure the mass of the cart and record the value in the data table.

2. Set up the Motion Detector and bracket to one end of the Dynamics Track (see Figure 1).

3. Set up a textbook at the other end of the Track.

4. Set the Motion Detector sensitivity switch to Track. Connect the Motion Detector to a
digital (DIG) port of LabQuest. Choose File New.

5. On the Meter screen, tap Rate. Change the data-collection rate to 250 samples/second and the data-collection
duration to 5 seconds. Select OK.
6. Practice releasing the cart so it rolls toward the book with the bumper facing forward, bounces gently, and returns
to your hand. The book must not shift, and the cart must stay on the track. Keep your hands away from the space
between the cart and the Motion Detector.

7. Position the cart so that the front of the cart is approximately 50 cm from the book. Start data collection, then roll
the cart as you practiced in the previous step.

8. Once you have made a run with good position and velocity graphs, analyze your data. To test the impulse-
momentum theorem, you need the velocity before and after the impulse. To find these values, work with the graph
of velocity vs. time.
a Change the y-axis of the position graph to Velocity.
b Tap and drag to select an interval corresponding to a time before the impulse, when the cart was moving at
approximately constant speed toward the book.
c Choose Statistics Velocity from the Analyze menu. Read the average velocity before the collision (vi) and
record the value in the data table.
d Choose Statistics Velocity from the Analyze menu to turn off statistics.
e Repeat parts ac of this step to determine the average velocity just after the impulse, when the cart was moving
at approximately constant speed away from the Dual-Range Force Sensor. Record this value in the data table.

9. Repeat Steps 78 two more times to collect a total of three trials; record the information in your data table.

Part II Inelastic collisions

10. Replace the book with another cart with the two Velcro pieces facing each other.

11. Practice launching the cart with your finger so that when the Velcro on the front of the cart collides with the Velcro
on the other cart, the cart comes to a stop without bouncing.

12. Position the cart so that the front of the cart is approximately 50 cm from the other cart. Start data collection, then
roll the cart so that the Velcro pieces impact one another.

13. Study your graphs to determine if the run was useful.

a Confirm that the Motion Detector detects the cart throughout its travel and that you can see a region of constant
velocity before and after the impact.

14. Once you have made a run with good position and velocity graphs, analyze your data. To test the impulse-
momentum theorem, you need the velocity before and after the impulse.
a Change the y-axis of the position graph to Velocity.
b Select the interval corresponding to the time before the impact, and choose Statistics Velocity from the
Analyze menu. Record the average velocity in the data table.
f Choose Statistics Velocity from the Analyze menu to turn off statistics.
g Select the interval corresponding to the time after the impact, and choose Statistics Velocity from the
Analyze menu. Record the average velocity in the data table.

21. Repeat Steps 12-14 two more times to collect a total of three trials; record the information in your data table.
MATERIALS MANAGER
MATERIALS
LabQuest Flat surface, the track
LabQuest App Textbook
Vernier Motion Detector Two Dynamics Carts with
corresponding Velcro pieces

SAFETY MANAGER
EQUIPMENT TIPS
1. Tips for obtaining useful data with a Motion Detector

a. Motion Detectors with a sensitivity switch (shown at right) will detect objects as close as 0.15 m.
Ideally, an experiment is set up so that the target is nearly this close at the point of closest approach,
giving the best possible data.

b. Ultrasound is emitted from the Motion Detector in a cone about 15o off the axis (which is 30o wide);
this includes downward. Anything within the ultrasound cone can cause a reflection and possibly an
accidental measurement. A common problem is getting unintentional reflections from a desk, chair, or
computer. Unintended reflections can be minimized by tilting the Motion Detector slightly. When
collecting data on an incline or ramp, it is usually best to point the Motion Detector slightly upward.

c. If the velocity and acceleration graphs are noisy, try to increase the strength of the ultrasonic
reflection from the target by increasing the targets area and ensuring the target creates a strong
reflection of the ultrasound.

d. If you being with a velocity or acceleration graph and obtain a confusing display, switch back to the
position graph for troubleshooting.
 TECHNICAL MANAGER
DATA TABLE
Mass of cart kg

%
Change Duration difference
Final Initial Average Impulse
of of Change in between
velocity velocity force
Trial velocity impulse Ft momentum Impulse
vf vi F
v t (Ns) (kgm /s) and
(m/s) (m/s) (N)
(m/s) (s) Change in
momentum
Elastic 1
2
3
Inelastic
1
2
3

Sample Data from Experiment with Vernier Dynamics Track kit

Impulse and
Momentum
DATA TABLE
Mass of cart 0.513 kg
 %
Change Duration difference
Final Initial Average Impulse
of of Change in between
velocity velocity force
Trial velocity impulse Ft momentum Impulse
vf vi F
v t (Ns) (kgm /s) and
(m/s) (m/s) (N)
(m/s) (s) Change in
momentum
Elastic 1 0.376 0.415 1.462 0.26
2 0.458 0.500 1.685 0.27
3 0.357 0.402 1.311 0.26
Inelastic 0.000 0.406 4.62 0.05
1
2 0.000 0.365 3.02 0.06
3 0.000 0.436 4.00 0.06

SHOW WORK HERE:

CONCLUSION
1. Calculate the change in velocities and record the result in the data table. From the mass of the cart and the change
in velocity, determine the change in momentum that results from the impulse. Make this calculation for each trial
and enter the values in the data table.

How do the Impulse and Change in Momentum for the Elastic Collisions compare to the Inelastic Collisions?
Describe and cite data to support your response.

2. If the impulse-momentum theorem is correct, the change in momentum will equal the impulse for each trial.
Experimental measurement errors, along with friction and shifting of the track or Force Sensor, will keep the two
from being exactly the same. One way to compare the two is to find their percentage difference. Divide the
difference between the two values by the average of the two, then multiply by 100%. How close are your values,
percentage-wise? Do your data support the impulse-momentum theorem?

3. Look at the shape of the last force vs. time graph. Is the peak value of the force significantly different from the
average force? Hint; you will have to calculate the average force; cite that data in your response. Is there a way
you could deliver the same impulse with a much smaller force?
4. Say we used a different hoop spring, that is stiffer than the one used in this experiment. Predict how the results will
be similar and how they will be different. Be specific with your predictions.