This demonstration shows elastic and inelastic collisions using gliders on an air track. Some gliders have Velcro on the end so they will stick together after a collision. Others have bumpers on the end, so they will bounce off each other. Using these different types of carts and carts of different size, several different collisions can be modeled.
* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.
Setup:
Roll the air track into the lecture hall and plug it in. Place several gliders on the cart (some with Velcro, some with bumpers and of different sizes).
Turn on the air track and place two gliders on it. Push the gliders toward each other or one glider towards a stationary glider to investigate different types of collisions.
Remove the gliders and then turn off the air track when finished.
Notes:
The mass of the gliders can be recorded as well to add to the discussion.
Discussion and Polling Questions:
If two equal mass objects moved towards each other at the same speed and had an elastic collision, would they stop moving or bounce off of each other? What about an inelastic collision?
We see that if an object hits a stationary object of equal mass, it stops and the other moves at the original speed of the first. What happens if they stick together?
Why do lighter objects tend to bounce while heavier objects tend to keep going?
Are the forces equal between the objects in collisions? Then why do lighter objects get affected more?
Equipment Needed:
Air Track
Velcro Gliders of Different Sizes
Bumper Gliders of Different Sizes
Scale (optional)