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LR Collision

This document outlines an experiment aimed at demonstrating the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions using small balls and toy cars. It details the materials needed, the procedure for conducting the experiment, data collection methods, and potential errors along with solutions. Additionally, it discusses real-world applications of understanding these types of collisions in various fields such as automotive safety, sports equipment design, and material science.

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4 views7 pages

LR Collision

This document outlines an experiment aimed at demonstrating the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions using small balls and toy cars. It details the materials needed, the procedure for conducting the experiment, data collection methods, and potential errors along with solutions. Additionally, it discusses real-world applications of understanding these types of collisions in various fields such as automotive safety, sports equipment design, and material science.

Uploaded by

jerw1nsario37
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INC.

UBALIW, POLANGUI, ALBAY

PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS

ELASTIC AND INELASTIC COLLISION

Goal

The goal of this experiment is to provide a visual and tangible way to


observe the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions by examining
the behavior of the objects involved after the collision.

Materials

1. Two small balls and toy cars.

2. A flat surface (e.g., a table)

3. Ruler or measuring tape

Introduction

Explain what collisions mean and the different types of collisions, like elastic
and inelastic.

Collisions refer to interactions between particles or objects that result in a


change in their velocities. There are two main types of collisions: elastic
collisions, where kinetic energy is conserved, and inelastic collisions, where
kinetic energy is not conserved and some is transformed into other forms of
energy such as heat or deformation.

In elastic collisions, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. This
means that the total momentum and the total kinetic energy of the system
before and after the collision remain constant. In an ideal elastic collision, no
kinetic energy is lost to other forms, such as heat or sound, and the objects
bounce off each other without any permanent deformation. Elastic collisions
are commonly studied in physics to understand the behavior of particles and
objects in various scenarios.

In inelastic collisions, momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not


conserved. Some of the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms, such
as heat, sound, or deformation of the colliding objects. In these collisions, the
objects typically stick together after the collision or deform in some way.
Inelastic collisions are common in real-world scenarios, such as car crashes
or collisions between atoms in gases.

Procedure

1. Elastic Collision:

a. Place the flat surface on a level table.

b. Position the two balls next to each other at one end of the surface.

c. Measure and record the initial positions of the balls along the surface.
d. Give one ball a gentle push towards the other, allowing them to collide
and rebound.

e. Observe the motion of the balls after the collision and measure their
final positions and the time they collide.

2. Inelastic Collision

a. Place the flat surface on a level table.


b. Position the two toy cars next to each other at one end of the surface.
c. Measure and record the initial positions of the toy cars along the surface.

d. Give one toy cars a gentle push towards the other, causing them to
collide and stick together.

e. Observe the motion of the toy cars after the collision and measure their
final position and the time they collide.

Data Collection

Conduct multiple trial and record the mass of the object, the time and the
distance it’s travels.

Compute the initial velocity using the time and the distance of the object.

Compute the final velocity of the objects using the formula for elastic and
inelastic collisions.

Graphical Analysis

Plot a graph of the momentum and kinetic energy of the two types of
collisions.

Argument Analysis.

Analyze the momentum and the kinetic energy of the objects that shown in
the graph.

Argument Error

Discuss regarding the errors that could occur during the experiment and how
to fix them.

During the experiment, a notable source of error arises when the two objects
fail to collide due to the absence of a barrier on the opposite side, causing
one or both objects to simply fall to the floor. This occurrence disrupts the
intended collision, thereby affecting the accuracy and reliability of the data
collected. Such errors can stem from factors like imprecise positioning of the
objects, inadequate timing mechanisms, or inconsistencies in experimental
conditions.

To address this error, we have devised a solution involving the creation of a


dedicated pathway between the two objects, ensuring their collision with
certainty. By implementing this approach, we establish a controlled
environment where the objects are guided along a predetermined trajectory,
thus eliminating the possibility of them veering off course or failing to
intersect. This pathway can be constructed using various means, such as
physical barriers, guiding rails, or even electromagnetic fields, depending on
the specific requirements of the experiment. Moreover, meticulous attention
to detail is essential during the design and implementation phases to
guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the pathway. By adopting this
solution, we enhance the reproducibility and consistency of the experimental
outcomes, facilitating more accurate analysis and interpretation of the
results.

Conclusion

Compare the motion and separation of the balls and toy cars after each
collision.

Discuss the difference between the elastic and inelastic collision.

Discuss the real-word application in understanding elastic and inelastic


collision.

Understanding elastic and inelastic collisions has numerous real-world


applications across various fields, including physics, engineering, and
everyday life.
1. **Automobile Safety**: In the automotive industry, knowledge of
collision dynamics is crucial for designing safer vehicles. Engineers
analyze the effects of both elastic and inelastic collisions to improve
safety features such as airbags, crumple zones, and seat belt systems.
By understanding how energy is transferred and dissipated during
collisions, they can design cars that better protect occupants in
accidents.

2. **Sports Equipment Design**: Manufacturers of sports equipment, such


as helmets, pads, and protective gear, rely on an understanding of
collisions to design products that absorb and distribute impact forces
effectively. By studying elastic and inelastic collisions, engineers can
develop materials and designs that reduce the risk of injury in sports
like football, hockey, and cycling.

3. **Material Science**: In material science, researchers study the


behavior of materials during collisions to understand their mechanical
properties and durability. This knowledge is crucial for designing
structures and machinery that can withstand impact forces without
failing catastrophically. For example, in the aerospace industry,
engineers analyze how materials behave during collisions to ensure the
safety and reliability of aircraft components.

4. **Ballistics and Firearms**: Understanding elastic and inelastic


collisions is essential in ballistics and firearms forensics. Analysts use
principles of collision physics to reconstruct crime scenes involving
gunshot wounds, determine bullet trajectories, and assess the effects
of different types of ammunition on targets. This knowledge also
informs the design of bulletproof vests and armor materials.

5. **Particle Physics**: In particle physics, scientists study collisions


between subatomic particles to explore fundamental questions about
the nature of matter and the universe. Large particle accelerators like
the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) are used to conduct experiments
involving high-energy collisions, providing insights into the
fundamental forces and particles that govern the universe.

6. **Consumer Products**: Understanding collision dynamics is important


in the design and testing of consumer products. Engineers consider
how products will behave during transportation, handling, and use,
ensuring that they can withstand impact forces without breaking or
causing harm to users. This applies to a wide range of products, from
packaging materials to electronics and household appliances.

Overall, a thorough understanding of elastic and inelastic collisions is


essential for designing safer, more durable products, advancing scientific
research, and improving our understanding of the physical world.

Prepared by: GROUP 3 BET-ELCTRONICS2


JERWIN Q. SARIO

JOHN PAUL Q. MORATO

MARK JOSEPH N. BAYTA

Submitted to: ENG’R. WILFRED C. RICARTE

INSTRUCTOR

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