Conservation of Linear Momentum
CCBC ID: 900889174
CRN: 20474
May 13, 2015
Objective
The objective of this lab is to confirm that linear momentum is conserved in a closed
system. This would also prove indirectly Newton’s second and third laws, by verifying that
F=ma and that the collision from A to B is the same, although opposite from B to A. From
Newton’s third law we know that F1,2=-F2,1, and from his second law we know that
m2a2=-m1a1. Acceleration is the change of velocity divided by the change of time and
because in any collision the time is always the same because of the Third law
m2Δv2=-m1Δv1. This gives us the quantity of momentum that p=mv. If this quantity of
momentum is conserved then pi=p2.
Experimental Apparatus and Procedure
The Pasco Conservation of Linear Momentum apparatus was used and the procedure was
followed as in manual.
Data
See attached graph
Results
The graph shows the slope of the graph pfinal vs. pinitial to be .9236. In a closed system the
slope should be one and the curve should be a straight line. The difference can be
attributed to loss of momentum in the collision and the effect of some outside forces. The
results of the experiment would appear to confirm the conservation of linear momentum.