Name: ______________________ Momentum Bashing Introduction​
: To better understand what happens in a car crash, it helps to see how force, inertia, and velocity are related in a property called momentum. The amount of momentum, often called “oomph” or “bashing power,” that an object has depends on its mass and its velocity. In this activity you will investigate how an object’s mass affects its “bashing power!” To find out how much momentum an object has, use the formula: momentum = mass x velocity p = m x v Pre­lab Questions: Answer in complete sentences. 1. What determines if one car has more momentum than another in a two­car collision? 2. Does increasing an object’s mass increase its momentum? 3. How does momentum relate to inertia? Materials o Ruler with center groove o 3 marbles of different sizes o 5­oz paper cup o Triple beam balance or electronic scale o Scissors o Meter sticks (2) o Books to support track Procedure 1. Measure and record the mass of each marble. 2. Cut a 4.0 cm square section from the top of the cup (as shown to the right). Name: ______________________ 3. Place a ruler with one end on a textbook (approximately 3.0 cm height) and the other end resting on the desk. (see picture) 4. Place the 4.0cm opening of the cup over the end of the ruler resting on the desk. 5. Place a meter stick alongside each side of the cup to measure the distance (in cm) it moves. 6. Position one marble in the groove at the maximum height of the ruler. 7. Release the marble and observe the cup. 8. Measure the ​
distance ​
the cup moved (to the nearest 0.5 cm). 9. If the marble does not stay in the cup, repeat the trial. 10. Perform three trials for each marble and average the results. 11. Record your data in the table provided. Data Table: # Marble Distance Cup Moves (cm) Mass of Marble 1 2 3 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average Distance Cup Moves (cm) Analysis – Answer in complete sentences. 1. Describe the relationship between the mass of the marble and the distance the cup moves. 2. How would your data be different if the cup was made of steel? Explain your answer using concepts of momentum and inertia. Application ­ Answer in complete sentences. 3. Explain why a 40,000 kg semi­truck traveling at 2 mph has the same momentum as a 2,000 kg car traveling at 40 mph. 4. Two cars are in a head­on collision. The first car has a mass of 700 kg and was traveling 30 km/hour east.. The second car has a mass of 500 kg and was traveling 40 km/hour west.. Which car has more momentum? In which direction will the two cars move after impact?