Data

Three trials were conducted, one lifting and releasing a marble from one side, one lifting one marble from each side and releasing them at the same time, and the final one lifting 5 of the marbles at the same time and releasing it. These three trials are being conducted to determine the initial and final momentum, and to see if there are any comparisons.

Notes:

1m represents the mass of one marble:

• Example: 5m represents the mass of 5 of the marbles

Velocity is a vector so it is directional

Trial 1:  One marble being lifted and released 

Before Collision:

p = mv + mv = mv + mv

1mv (to the right) + 5m(0)

Total Momentum Before Collision = 1mv (to the right)

After Collision:

p = mv + mv = mv + mv

5m(0) + 1mv (to the right)

Total Momentum after Collision: 1mv (to the right)

Trial 2: Lifting one ball from each side and releasing them at the same time

Before Collision:

1mv (to the right) + 4m(0) + 1mv (to the left)

*Since both of the marbles are being released from different directions, they cancel each other out*

Total Momentum Before Collision = 0

After Collision:

1mv (to the left) + 4m(0) + 1mv (to the right)

*Since both of the marbles go up in different directions after they strike the 4 marbles in the middle, they cancel each other out*

Total Momentum after Collision = 0

Trial 3: Lifting 5 marbles up and releasing them at the same time

Before Collision:

p = mv + mv = mv + mv

5mv (to the right) + 1m(0)

Total Momentum Before Collision = 5mv (to the right)

After Collision:

p = mv + mv = mv + mv

1m(0) + 5mv (to the right)

Total Momentum After Collision = 5mv (to the right)