10 Use ICT to Analyse Collisions Between Small Spheres

Question 1

how can you determine whether momentum is conserved using momentum vectors

Answer 1

construct a momentum vector triangle. if the vectors form a closed triangle then momentum is conserved

Question 2

when using the velocity overlay feature on tracker how can you analyse momentum

Answer 2

the feature will produces velocities. multiply these by mass

Question 3

what two pieces of information about velocities do you need to record

Answer 3

velocity is a vector so both the direction and magnitude need to be measured.

Question 3

why may glass marbles not be suitable for this experiment

Answer 3

the edge of the marble may not be clear when recorded on camera which increases uncertainty

Question 4

why should the surface be slightly angled

Answer 4

there will be friction between the sphere and surface, by tilting the surface this can be compensated for

Question 5

how should the camera be positioned

Answer 5

so that it can track the paths of the marbles before and after the collision

Question 6

how to calculate the uncertainty in velocity readings

Answer 6

half the range of the repeat readings