Colliding Trolleys
By Tom
Introduction
Aim
Materials
- Two dynamic trolleys
- Electronic balance
- Metre ruler
- Ruler
- Several 1 kg masses to add to the trolleys
- Two rubber bands tied together that will stretch to 20cm quite easily
- Level bench top
- Piece of A4 paper
- Masking tape
Method
the piece of a4 paper was attached to the benchtop with masking tape. two parallel lines were ruled, 20cm apart
the two trolleys were linked with the rubber bands
the trolleys were pulled apart and help with the front ends on the two lines
the two trolleys were released.
the trolleys accelerated towards each other and collided at the same time. the distance the trolleys travelled was proportionate to their relative velocities.
the location at which the trolleys collided was determined, and was marked on the paper.
the distance between the two lines and the collision point were measured
- various masses were added to the trolleys and the experiment was repeated. approximately 5 different mass combination were tested.