https://physlab-wiki.com/ 2026-04-17T21:03:24+00:00 https://physlab-wiki.com/ https://physlab-wiki.com/lib/tpl/UChicago/images/favicon.ico text/html 2024-10-09T12:19:52+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/mechanics/linear_momentum_and_collisions/air_track_collisions?rev=1728490792&do=diff Air Track Collisions Two identical carts on an air track collide elastically or inelastically. Additional masses for the carts are also available. Setup Make sure the track is level and that the springs are not too stretched; angle can be adjusted with knobs and screws on feet. The tracks have two holes for inserting air, one of which has to be plugged. text/html 2024-10-09T12:22:41+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/mechanics/linear_momentum_and_collisions/bouncing-balls?rev=1728490961&do=diff Bouncing balls A ping pong ball is placed on top of a racquet ball which is placed on top of a basketball. When the stack of balls is released in order of size such that all balls are touching, when the basketball hits the floor, the ping pong ball is launched at a large velocity upwards due to conservation of momentum. text/html 2024-10-09T12:19:43+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/mechanics/linear_momentum_and_collisions/conservation_of_momentum_carts?rev=1728490783&do=diff Conservation of Momentum Carts Two spring-loaded carts simultaneously repel off one another. One may observe the effect of varying the relative amount of mass stacked on the carts. Setup Set carts on the track and put a block or something heavy at each end of the track to stop the carts. The carts are attached by velcro and the separation is caused by the spring mechanism. To lock spring, push in and wiggle a locking pin in the bottom until it does not shoot out. Carefully place carts on … text/html 2024-10-09T12:20:06+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/mechanics/linear_momentum_and_collisions/fire_extinguisher_cart?rev=1728490806&do=diff Fire Extinguisher Cart A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is strapped to a cart onto which a stool is mounted. A person sitting on the cart releases some of the contents of the fire extinguisher and is propelled across the room. Setup Use head and ear protection. Make sure nozzle is pointing directly away from the wheel trajectory and that tank is full (empty, it weighs roughly 30lbs, full roughly 50lbs). text/html 2024-10-09T12:20:20+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/mechanics/linear_momentum_and_collisions/newtons_cradle?rev=1728490820&do=diff Newton's Cradle Several steel balls are independently suspended from a frame such that their motion is confined to a plane and, when at rest, are in contact with each other. When one or more of the balls is lifted and released the arrangement clearly exhibits conservation of energy and momentum. However, those two principles are insufficient to fully describe its behavior.