Collisions Lab

The following digital lab is your first application of Momentum: P = mv, where m is mass in kg, and v is velocity in meters/second. 

Open the interactive here. Links to an external site.

Complete the table handed out in class. Take notes on the velocity (v), mass (m), and momentum (p) of both carts (L for left, R for right). Calculate the total momentum of the system before and after the collision. Make sure you use negative - or positive + velocity and momentum, depending on cart direction. 

System momentum is Red Cart P + Blue Cart P.

Use the table handout. Answer the questions on the back to make your claim. Is momentum always a conserved quantity in a system?