Collisions

Subject:
Forces and Interactions
Grade Level:
Middle School

Lesson Description

An object in motion tends to remain in motion. A stationary object will remain in place unless something acts on it. These are observations you can make every day. In this experiment you will investigate what happens when a moving object runs into an object that is standing still. The two objects will stick together because they have Velcro on them. Imagine what you would expect to happen before you begin taking data. For example, in which direction will the stuck-together objects move? Will they move faster or slower than before the collision? How much faster or slower? In this lesson, you will observe an air track with two identical gliders on it. The gliders ride on a cushion of air, which reduces friction considerably. Note: You should click on the top front corner of the left glider when you make your measurements.

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