The Apparatus

1
The Apparatus
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To verify the principle of conservation of
momentum

• Set up apparatus as in the diagram.
• Adjust the track until the trolley runs at a
  steady speed.
• Measure the mass of each trolley using a balance.
• With trolley 2 stationary, give trolley 1 a
  gentle push. After collision the two vehicles
  coalesce and move off together.
• Calculate the velocity before the collision and
  the velocity after the collision from the ticker
  tape.
• Calculate the momentum of trolley 1 before the
  collision and the momentum of both trolleys after
  the collision. Momentum mass x velocity.
• Repeat several times, with different velocities
  and different masses.

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Results
Mass of trolley 1 Mass of trolley 2 Initial speed Final speed Momentum before impact Momentum after impact

Conclusion The momentum before impact is equal to
the momentum after impact. Precautions Slope the
track to cancel the effect of gravity. Dust the
track to reduce the effect of friction.