You can analyze your experimental data using conservation of energy argument. Wh
ID: 1780036 • Letter: Y
Question
You can analyze your experimental data using conservation of energy argument. While throwing the ball (either Play-Doh or the superball) you gave it certain kinetic energy. Some (or all) energy got transfered from the ball to the door. Which kind of collision do you think ensures a better, i.e., as lossless as possible, transfer of energy? Will a larger transfer of energy result in a faster closing door? The following questions will help you explore your data with conservation of energy in mind.
1. Use conservation of energy to explain what is similar and what is different for these types of collisions. How does the energy (kinetic, potential) change before, during, and after each type of collision. Explain your conclusions clearly.
2. Was the total kinetic energy conserved in your nearly elastic collision? Provide quantitative arguments to support your claim. Discuss how your argument makes physical sense and explains why your “door” cart behaved the way it did. HINT: Use your math and physics ”sense” to neglect values that won’t contribute to final result within your uncertainty.
3. Was the kinetic energy conserved in your inelastic collision? Provide quantitative argument to support your claim. Discuss how your argument makes physical sense and explains why your “door” cart behaved the way it did. HINT: Use your math and physics ”sense” to neglect values that won’t contribute to final result within your uncertainty.
Explanation / Answer
Perfectly elastic collision ensures a better, i.e., as lossless as possible, transfer of energy.
Will a larger transfer of energy result in a faster closing door? : YES
1)
Similar : Momentum is conserved.
Different : Energy is conserved in elastic collision while it is not conserved in inelastic collision.
During elastic collision, energy remains the same before and after the collision.
During inelastic collision, energies before and after the collision are different.
2)
Yes, the total kinetic energy was conserved in the nearly elastic collision.
The collison was lossless.
3)
No, the total kinetic energy was not conserved in the inelastic collision.
Some energy was lost in the collision.
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