Mechanics > Linear Momentum > Conservation of Linear Momentum

DCS# 1N30.30

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COLLISION GLIDERS

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APPARATUS

air track	201A
gliders and steel spring bumpers with and without velcro	202-14-B

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DESCRIPTION

The gliders can be used to show elastic and inelastic collisions between gliders of equal or unequal masses.

To give the gliders equal and opposite velocities, rest a meterstick across both gliders, use it to launch them simultaneously with the same speed and wait for one to bounce off the bumper at the end of the track.

Flags and photogates can be used to measure velocities.