Student Manual | ![]() This experiment investigates the principle of energy conservation through the collision of two objects moving in two dimensions. Students will get familiar with the concept of translational collision and will probe the elasticity of a collision. The experiment also provides ample practice in calculating uncertainties and relative errors. |
Sample Results | A graph showing relationship between distance and angleA graph showing relationship between distance squared and cosine of angle |
Experiment Code | 1.16 |
Version | 5 May 2014 |
Further Readings and References
- A better 2D mechanical energy conservation experimentThe Physics Teacher, M. Paesler, 50, 109, (2012).
Pictorial Procedure
- Green placeholder for the struck ball on table.
- Plum line to mark the edge of the table on graph at the bottom.
- The protractor on the apparatus to measure the angle of inclination.
- Use the thread to lift the pendulum bob to the desired angle and release.
- Place a carbon paper on the graph paper to mark the distance of the falling ball.