Question

In this lab, you will use a dynamics track to generate collisions between two carts. If momentum is conserved, what variable change would result in a velocity change after a collision? In the space below, write a scientific question that you will answer by doing this experiment.

Answer 1

In collision type of problems since momentum is always conserved

we can say

$m_1v_{1i} + m_2v_{2i} = m_1 v_{1f} + m_2v_{2f}$

So here along with this equation we also required one more equation for the restitution coefficient

$v_{2f} - v_{1f} = e(v_{1i} - v_{2i})$

so above two equations are required to find the velocity after collision

here the change in velocity occurs due to the contact force while they contact in each other

so this is the impulse of collision while they are in contact with each other while in collision which changes the velocity of two colliding objects

Answer 2

how does changing mass affect colliding objects?