Football Collision Observational Lab [Conservation of Momentum]
Name ___________________________________________ Date__________ Block______
Questions: How does momentum change after a collision? How does mass affect momentum?
How does velocity affect momentum?
In this investigation you will obtain qualitative data (not quantitative) for inelastic collisions.
Background Information: Any object that is moving has momentum. What happens to an
object’s momentum during a collision? What occurs when a high mass object collides with a
low mass object? Applications of those answers can be used in accident reconstruction sites,
on the football field, and further study of these types of collisions can help geologists determine
the results of crustal collisions.
Pre-Lab Questions:
1. What is momentum?
2. What are meant by the terms inelastic and elastic?
3. How is momentum calculated?
4. State the Law of Conservation of Momentum.
5. Which of Newton’s Law does this apply to? Explain your reasoning.
6. Before developing your procedures and conducting your experiment practice
momentum calculations (show your work):
a. Find the momentum of the following object. A 0.2 kg steel ball that is rolling at a
speed of 3.0 m/sec.
b. Find the momentum of the following object. A 0.005 kg bullet with a speed of
500 m/sec.
c. Find the momentum of the following object. A 75 kg football player, a defensive
back, running at a speed of 5 m/sec.
Materials:
2 carts and 1 horizontal ramp
Weights
Timer
Sticky Tack
PROCEDURES
 You have predicted football collisions with varying mass and varying velocity.
 Below you will record what type of collision the players have (what mass and velocity).
 For each scenario you will simulate the mass and velocity of the football player using the
carts.
 Record your observations.
DATA
Observe and Record what happens during the impacts for your football scenarios:
HEAD ON COLLISIONS
Football Scenario
OBSERVATIONS
Same Mass & Same Velocity
Earth Science Applications:
Two pieces of earth’s lithosphere (crust) are about ready to collide. Both are moving together at a
similar speed. The major difference between the two pieces is that one is VERY massive (like the size of
Australia) and the other is small (like the size of Malaysia). If the larger piece is moving west and the
smaller piece is moving east, what will happen to the motion of the combined crust after they collide?
Explain and justify.
Observe and Record what happens during the impacts for the following scenarios:
ONE STATIONARY PLAYER [CART]
OBSERVATIONS
Light Stationary Player and Light
Moving Player
CONCLUSION
As a group, create a conclusion. Include in your conclusion the following:
o What do you think is most important in determining what happens during the
impact? Speeds? Masses? Momentum?
o Evaluate your results (did your results work out like you expected? Why or Why
not? How could you conduct this investigation better?