Mechanics: Collision Carts

PIRA Class: 1H10.15*

Purpose:
To demonstrate the equal forces exerted on objects during a collision.

Description:
Slow-motion videos of collisions between same and different mass carts with flexible bumpers qualitatively illustrate forces and accelerations during the collision.

1. Comparing the bumper compression on each cart illustrates the magnitude of force exerted on each cart.

2. Change in velocity during the collision illustrates the acceleration of each cart.

3. The video shows several collisions varying the mass of each cart as well as which cart is moving pre-collision.

PEDAGOGY: Show the video and ask students what in the video indicates the magnitude of force exerted and how to qualitatively determine the acceleration of each cart. Guide students in how to construct their explanations - some students with prior experience may be able to explain the collisions with conservation of momentum but will find it challenging to explain the results in terms of Newton's 2nd and 3rd laws.

Equipment:
Access to the internet

Location:
Link to the video
Link to additional information about carts and raw video files for video analysis.